Industry Interviews

Aminath Hussain Zaady

Chief Operating Officer, Brennia Kottefaru

“We believe in nurturing individuals and communities before profit. When people are valued and supported, performance follows naturally. Long-term success comes from practices that strengthen loyalty, efficiency, and respect for shared purpose.”

Chief Operating Officer, Aminath Hussain Zaady, has shaped Brennia into a brand that celebrates Maldivian identity while embracing innovation, sustainability, and heartfelt hospitality.

Ali Zahir

Owner, Brennia Kottefaru

“What sets us apart is the long term vision. This is not about short contracts or quick returns. It is about building an institution that represents the Maldives with pride and professionalism. We want to see more local brands recognized globally”

For this edition of The Islandchief, we sat with the owner of Brennia Kottefaru, Ali Zahir, the visionary force behind the resort that stands as a proud reflection of Maldivian entrepreneurship, authenticity, and purpose. Set amid the pristine beauty of Raa Atoll, Brennia Kottefaru is more than a luxury retreat; it is the realization of Zahir’s belief that world-class excellence can emerge from local roots.

Hawwa Nafeela

General Manager, Voyages Maldives

“Since childhood, I have always aspired to be an exemplary person. Coming from a large family, my parents and elder siblings instilled in me the values of humility, discipline, and responsibility. I wa...”

For over 25 years, Hawwa Nafeela has been an integral part of Voyages Maldives, rising from Administrative Officer to General Manager of one of the country’s most trusted travel and safari operators. Her journey is one of dedication, resilience, and quiet leadership — guided by strong family values and a deep love for travel and nature. In this exclusive interview with The Islandchief, Nafeela reflects on her remarkable career, the evolution of Maldives’ tourism and boating industry, and what it takes to thrive as a woman in leadership. She also shares insights on nurturing talent, adapting to change, and preserving the timeless spirit of Maldivian hospitality that defines Voyages Maldives.

Ahmed Zahir

General Manager, Angsana Velavaru

“Banyan Tree was the first international five-star hotel to open in the Maldives, and I was fortunate to join during its early days. From the start, I experienced a service culture unlike any other—one...”

At the very core of Maldivian hospitality lies authenticity—a form of discovery that transcends staged encounters and instead immerses guests in the true essence of the islands: its people, its culture, and its natural beauty. Exemplifying this philosophy is Mr. Ahmed Zahir, General Manager of Angsana Velavaru, whom we proudly feature in this issue of The Islandchief. With an illustrious career spanning over 27 years, Mr. Zahir’s remarkable journey—from his beginnings at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in 1995 to helming one of the Group’s largest resorts—stands as a source of inspiration. Renowned for his people-first leadership, he has cultivated a family-like culture that has set new benchmarks in associate satisfaction and retention. His story is one of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering dedication—qualities that continue to inspire a new generation of Maldivians striving to make their mark in the world of hospitality. “Hospitality is woven into Maldivian culture… These values, passed through generations, have created a natural warmth and authenticity in service. When combined with professional training, this genuine spirit allows Maldivians to deliver experiences that are heartfelt, personal, and truly unique in the global hospitality industry."

Ahmed Inah

Instructor, Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah

“I grew up in Fuvahmulah, and sharks were simply a natural part of my everyday life. Seeing them underwater was something I always found exciting rather than scary. As a child, I never saw sharks as th...”

I grew up in Fuvahmulah, and sharks were simply a natural part of my everyday life. Seeing them underwater was something I always found exciting rather than scary. As a child, I never saw sharks as these terrifying predators that so many movies portray them to be. Instead, I saw them as majestic creatures that belong here as much as we do. However, it was only when I became an adult that I truly understood just how misunderstood sharks are in the wider world. Learning about their crucial role in the marine ecosystem and the immense threats they face from human activities made me even more fascinated by them. Discovering that many shark species could go extinct within the next 50 years shocked me deeply. That became a turning point—it ignited a mission within me to help people understand these beautiful animals better and to challenge the negative perceptions surrounding them. I realised that if more people understood sharks the way I do, they would also fight to protect them.

Qasim Ibrahim

Chairman & Founder, Villa Group

“Since the inception of Villa Trade and Shipping in 1984, my vision for Villa Group has been to contribute to the growth and development of the Maldives while creating opportunities that benefit our pe...”

A visionary leader in Maldivian tourism, Qasim Ibrahim has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry for over four decades. As the Founder and Chairman of Villa Group, he has pioneered luxury hospitality, enhanced infrastructure, and driven sustainable growth, making Villa Group one of the Maldives' leading business conglomerates. His deep commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and innovation has set new benchmarks in Maldivian hospitality. Join us as we delve into the story of a true Maldivian pioneer who continues to shape the country’s tourism landscape with passion, resilience, and an enduring vision for excellence. In this exclusive interview with The Islandchief, he reflects on his journey, leadership philosophy, and the future of tourism in the Maldives. Join us as we explore the insights of a true industry pioneer.

Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem

Azeez Abdul Hakeem, Vice President, Atmosphere Foundation, Maldives

“I joined the hospitality industry in 1978, alongside some of my colleagues, when we recognized the immense potential of tourism in the Maldives. At that time, the Maldives was still an emerging destin...”

In this edition’s cover story, we feature an exclusive interview with Mr. Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, Vice President of the Atmosphere Foundation, Maldives. Now at its helm, Mr. Azeez champions impactful social, economic, and environmental initiatives across the Maldives. Discover his inspiring journey, the Foundation’s transformative projects, and his perspectives on driving sustainable community development.

Elmo Sooriyaarachchi

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Bank of Maldives

“Throughout my 37-year career in Banking, I’ve been privileged to hold various positions that significantly influenced my leadership style. Starting from entry-level roles at the Commercial Bank of Cey...”

In this edition of The Islandchief, we proudly feature Elmo Sooriyaarachchi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Bank of Maldives, a prominent leader in the Banking industry with a career spanning over 37 years. From his impactful tenure as Chief Operating Officer of Commercial Bank of Maldives to his exemplary leadership as Managing Director of Commercial Bank of Maldives, Elmo’s journey reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation. His strategic expertise, honed as Regional Manager for Colombo North and the Uva/Sabaragamuwa Region in Sri Lanka, saw him manage operations over 40 branches. As Senior Manager of the Development Credit Department, he played a key role in advancing the SME sector, fostering collaborations with apex institutions, and managing credit concentration effectively. In this exclusive cover story, Elmo shares with us the milestones and insights that define his remarkable career.

Mohamed Umar Maniku

“Creating the first tourist resort in the Maldives was an extraordinary achievement, but it came with its fair share of challenges. When we embarked on this journey, the concept of tourism was complete...”

In this edition of the Islandchief tabloid magazine, we are honored to feature Mr. Mohamed Umar Maniku, a visionary leader who has significantly shaped the tourism landscape of the Maldives. As the Chairman of Universal Enterprises and the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Mr. Maniku is renowned for his pivotal role in establishing Kurumba Maldives, the country's first tourist resort. His innovative spirit and unwavering dedication have helped navigate the numerous challenges of building a thriving tourism infrastructure from the ground up. With decades of experience, he remains committed to fostering a sustainable tourism sector that honors the Maldives' unique cultural and environmental heritage. Under his stewardship, MATI advocates for the interests of both local and international stakeholders, promoting collaboration to ensure the Maldives retains its status as a premier global destination. Mr. Maniku's vision includes developing a skilled domestic workforce and prioritizing sustainability, as he believes in empowering future leaders while preserving the essence of Maldivian tourism for generations to come.