Aminath Hussain Zaady, Chief Operating Officer at Brennia Kottefaru

For me, modern Maldivian hospitality is an evolution rather than a reinvention. It means taking the heart of who we are and allowing it to grow into something that reflects the world we live in today. The Maldives has always been known for its warmth, beauty, and sincerity in service. But to lead today, we need to go beyond what is familiar. We have to question traditional models, introduce new thinking, and build systems that are intelligent, flexible, and deeply human.

At Brennia Kottefaru, we treat hospitality as something living. It learns, adapts, and grows every day. Our choices are guided by empathy and understanding, whether we are shaping the digital guest journey or empowering our teams to take pride in their roles. Modern Maldivian hospitality should be bold and connected, while still rooted in our culture, humility, and compassion.

Today, luxury is defined by meaning and emotion rather than excess. Innovation should not take away humanity. It should amplify it. Whether we use technology or leadership development, the goal is always the same: to create experiences that feel sincere, effortless, and memorable.

Sustainability is a responsibility of leadership. It cannot be treated as a campaign. From the beginning, we understood that growth has to be balanced. The Maldives’ greatest strengths are its environment and its people. Both need consistent care.

Our sustainability approach looks at ecological, social, and economic wellbeing together. Environmentally, we have invested in renewable energy, solar integration, reduced waste systems, water purification that limits plastic use, composting, and architecture that respects the natural landscape.

But sustainability is also about people. 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.

Profitability and sustainability do not compete. They support each other. Sustainability is a promise to protect, uplift, and give back, so that what we build remains meaningful for generations to come.

Technology is the quiet structure behind everything we do. It does not replace human connection. It enhances our ability to connect with more care.

At Brennia, we use intelligent guest insight tools that help us understand needs before they are expressed. This makes each stage of the guest journey more personal and seamless. For our teams, technology creates clarity. Mobile communication systems allow departments to respond quickly and work as one. Real-time data helps us make decisions that are faster, smarter, and more thoughtful.

Digital transformation is a mindset. It shifts us from reacting to anticipating. The strongest hospitality combines understanding with efficiency. Technology should support emotion, not erase it.

Rouf grew from the belief that travel and living should feel connected, meaningful, and human. It brings together living spaces, technology, and community. It creates environments where people can live and work while feeling at home.

I spent years traveling and often felt alone despite being surrounded by people. Rouf was created to bring people together. It offers a true sense of belonging. A portion of its income also supports vulnerable communities, including families in need, women seeking safe housing, and individuals requiring shelter and stability.

On the tourism side, Rouf Global strengthens how Maldivian hospitality connects with the world. After the pandemic, global competition increased. Rouf uses strategy, creativity, and digital systems to help Maldivian brands stand out in an authentic way.

Both Brennia and Rouf share the belief that hospitality begins with connection. Comfort is only the starting point.

My inspiration comes from my parents. My mother taught me faith, intention, and grace. My late father taught me empathy, loyalty, and quiet strength. Together, they taught me that real leadership comes from compassion and courage held in balance.

Growing up in the Maldives, I experienced a culture of community, care, and gratitude. That shaped how I lead today. It taught me that progress must not come at the cost of peace or humanity.

Representing Maldivian women internationally is an honour and a responsibility. It is a chance to show the world the depth, intelligence, resilience, and compassion our women have always carried. Every time I stand on a global platform, I carry the spirit of the island girl who grew up between the sea, community, and imagination.

My greatest inspiration comes from Allah (SWT), who is my constant guide. I believe that every success is written by His will, and every challenge is a reminder to stay humble, grounded, and grateful.

Success is not measured by awards. It is measured by how many lives are uplifted, how many voices are included, and how many doors are opened for the next generation.