From Identity to Innovation with Ali Zahir, Owner at Brennia Kottefaru

I come from a background that taught me the importance of humility, perseverance and purpose. The Maldives has given me everything: its people, its culture, and its natural beauty. Because of that, I have always felt a responsibility to give something meaningful back. When we began Brennia Kottefaru, I didn’t want to build just another resort. I wanted to create a brand that reflects the true soul of Maldivian hospitality: warm, grounded, and genuine.

From the start, my dream was to show that a locally created brand could stand confidently alongside international names, while keeping its own identity and heart. Every detail in our design, our service, and our team culture was built to honour who we are. Our people are the foundation of that vision. I wanted Brennia to be a place where young Maldivians could grow, contribute ideas and see their potential. My upbringing taught me that leadership is about lifting others. Brennia’s success is really the result of collective belief. It is a brand created by Maldivians, for the world, with pride and sincerity.

The journey has not been easy. We started with limited resources and a bold dream to build a five star resort from the ground up as a Maldivian brand. One of the biggest challenges was balancing our ambition with reality, making sure every step was sustainable. In the early years, we faced a shortage of skilled professionals and we had to be strategic with our finances. We learned to do more with less, reinvest wisely, train our own people, and build partnerships with those who believed in us.

There were times when the easier choice would have been to hand management over to an international company, but I believed that the Maldives deserves its own brands and its own leadership. So instead of outsourcing, we focused on capacity building. Many of our senior leaders today joined us at entry level and grew within the company. That growth is one of our greatest achievements.

We also faced challenges like the pandemic, which tested our resilience. We had to protect both our people and the business. Those difficult moments strengthened us. We adapted quickly, restructured what was necessary, and emerged stronger. Looking back, every obstacle shaped Brennia into what it is today — a brand built with conviction, not convenience.

From the beginning, we made sustainability a priority. Brennia runs on a solar energy system that helps reduce our carbon footprint. We have invested in efficient water desalination and recycling systems, waste segregation, and composting to reduce environmental pressure. But sustainability is also about people. We work in ways that support local communities, livelihoods, and future generations. We make it part of the guest experience as well, because once visitors understand how delicate our environment is, they become part of protecting it. Our goal is to show that local ownership and environmental responsibility can grow together in a meaningful way.

This idea comes from a belief that it is time for the Maldives to tell its own hospitality story. For many years, international management companies have shaped the resort landscape. They have added great value, but I believe it is time for a homegrown brand to stand at the same level, with its own approach.

Our vision is to build a management group that brings together local insight with world class practices. We want each resort we manage to express its own story, reflect its community, and offer authentic hospitality. We will focus on developing local talent, increasing operational efficiency, and integrating smart technology, while keeping the warmth that is uniquely Maldivian.

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 — rooted in culture, competitive in quality, and confident in identity.

Believe in your vision, especially when others doubt it. Entrepreneurship is not glamour. It is patience, resilience and commitment. Many people want fast results, but real growth takes time. Brennia was built over years of work, learning, setbacks, and determination.

Stay patient when progress is slow. Stay honest when shortcuts appear. Stay consistent even when no one is watching. Keep learning constantly. The world is changing fast and your ability to adapt will define your success. Learn from mentors, from experiences, and from your own team.

Also, value collaboration. We often work in isolation, but the future belongs to those who build connections. Create something that benefits others, not just yourself. The Maldives has so much talent and creativity. What we need most is the courage to build what has not been built before. My hope is that Brennia’s story shows that with purpose, heart, and resilience, anything is possible.