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Sun Siyam marks 35 years with fresh identity and signature Maldivian experiences

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Sun Siyam Resorts has unveiled a milestone brand transformation as it celebrates 35 years of Maldivian hospitality. More than a visual refresh, the (r)evolution introduces a powerful new statement, “The Home of the Maldivian Spirit”, reaffirming the group’s reputation as one of the most culturally authentic resort operators in the Maldives.

The rebrand unites five Maldivian resorts and the group’s Sri Lankan property under a single umbrella, The House of Siyam, while rolling out Signature Experiences and a refreshed loyalty programme, Siyam Rewards.

Three Distinct Resort Collections

To make it easier for guests and partners to navigate the portfolio, Sun Siyam Resorts has introduced three clear collections:

  • Luxury Collection:
    Island indulgence at its finest. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi leads this flagship tier with elevated experiences in a sun-soaked paradise.
  • Lifestyle Collection:
    Energetic and adventure-driven, perfect for families and groups. Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World offer vibrant entertainment and recreation.
  • Prive Collection:
    Secluded barefoot escapes. Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and Sun Siyam Pasikudah (Sri Lanka) provide privacy and personalised service for romantic, soulful getaways.

Signature Experiences with a Maldivian Soul

The transformation goes beyond design, adding immersive experiences that bring local heritage and creativity to every stay. Highlights include:

  • Maldivian Roots: Weekly culinary and cultural journeys celebrating island traditions.
  • Insta Villa: The Maldives’ first over-water photo studio for picture-perfect moments.
  • Sun Siyam Beach Club: A lively hub where laid-back afternoons turn into nights of music and dance.
  • Plant-based bliss, hidden treasure chests, moonlit cinemas and the ceremonial wow welcome, unique touches that create memorable stays.

Loyalty, Sustainability and Community

The group also launched Siyam Rewards, a digital membership programme offering personalised itineraries, room upgrades, optional carbon offsets, and rewards from the very first booking.

Every stay continues to support marine conservation and community initiatives through the Sun Siyam Care sustainability platform.

Leaders on the Milestone

Founder, Owner & Managing Director Ahmed Siyam Mohamed said: “When we founded Sun Siyam in 1990, our goal was to share the warmth of our islands and our people with the world. This transformation preserves that soul while creating space to innovate for the next generation of free-spirited travellers.”

CEO Deepak Booneady added: “This rebrand is about more than design — it’s about cultural authenticity, purpose-driven hospitality, and creating moments that spark joy.”

A Modern Maldivian Identity

The new look ties together every touchpoint, from redesigned interiors to the refreshed website at sunsiyam.com, blending a vibrant Maldivian spirit with a contemporary edge.

Redesigned website

With a redesigned website now live at sunsiyam.com, the new brand identity unifies every touchpoint, from print and digital platforms to guest experiences on the islands. The result is a look and feel that is authentically Maldivian yet confidently modern.

To bring this transformation to life, Sun Siyam partnered with top industry experts:

  • JHAGGER&CO led the year-long project, starting with in-depth audience research and an internal reset of the group’s vision, purpose, and values.
  • Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, Founders and Creative Directors of London-based StudioSixty7, reimagined interiors to reflect a refreshed, contemporary island aesthetic.
  • Maldives hospitality pioneer Dominik Ruhl guided the creation of new operational standards and Signature Experiences, embedding the brand’s spirit in daily service.

This collaborative effort, brought to life by Sun Siyam’s island operations team,  led by VP of Operations Abdulla Thamheed and supported by General Managers, Resort Managers, and the brand’s sales, marketing, and PR teams,  has produced a warm, vibrant design system that preserves Maldivian soul while embracing a fresh, modern edge.

Why This Matters for Travellers

  • Easier to choose the right island stay with clear Luxury, Lifestyle and Prive categories.
  • New Signature Experiences offer deeper cultural immersion and memorable activities.
  • Direct bookings now come with personalised rewards and benefits.
  • Commitment to sustainability and local heritage means travellers support conservation with every stay.

From one property to six resorts

Founded in 1990, Sun Siyam Resorts has grown from a single Maldivian property to six resorts across the Maldives and Sri Lanka, including the newest addition, Siyam World. The brand is anchored in The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, blending heartfelt island hospitality with innovative experiences and a commitment to sustainability.

For more information, visit sunsiyam.com or follow @sunsiyamresorts on social media.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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New Indian passport centres open across UAE under Al Hind

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Hundreds of Indian nationals visited the UAE’s newly launched Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) on Wednesday as the new network officially began operations, marking a major overhaul of Indian passport and consular services in the country.

The centres, operated by Al Hind Tours & Travels, have taken over passport, visa, attestation and other consular application services previously handled at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

A total of 16 ICAC centres are now operational across the UAE, making it easier for Indian residents to access consular services closer to home.

Speaking at the opening of the flagship centre at UW Mall in Bur Dubai, Mohammed Haris, Chairman and Founder of Al Group of Companies, said demand was high from the moment bookings opened.

Largest centre in Bur Dubai

The Bur Dubai branch is the largest Indian Consular Application Centre in the UAE, featuring 70 service counters with the capacity to serve around 600 applicants a day. The second-largest facility is located in Dubai Investment Park.

Once all 16 centres are fully operational, the network is expected to process up to 8,000 applications daily. Around 350 employees have been recruited to manage operations across the country.

Dh19 service fee

Applicants will pay a Dh19 service charge in addition to the applicable Government of India fee.

The charge includes several services that were previously paid for separately, including passport photographs, photocopying, printing and form-filling assistance.

Al Hind confirmed there are no premium service options, with all applicants receiving the same level of service.

Faster application process

Officials said most applications can be completed in around 30 minutes, provided applicants arrive with the required documents.

Appointments can be booked through the new online portal, with fresh slots released twice daily at 9am and 9pm.

Services available

The new centres offer a full range of Indian consular services, including:

  • Passport applications and renewals
  • Visa services
  • Document attestation
  • OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) services
  • Other consular applications

With the launch of the ICAC network, applicants will no longer need to visit the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Indian Consulate in Dubai to submit most routine consular applications.

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New firefighting motorcycle to help Sharjah respond faster to fires

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Sharjah has introduced a new firefighting motorcycle to help emergency crews reach fire incidents faster, particularly in areas affected by heavy traffic.

The Sharjah Civil Defence Authority said the specially equipped motorcycle will enable firefighters to carry out initial firefighting operations while larger fire engines are on their way, helping reduce response times during critical emergencies.

The new vehicle is expected to be especially useful during the summer months, when soaring temperatures increase the risk of fires linked to overloaded electrical systems, air-conditioning units and the handling of hazardous materials.

To mark the launch, the authority released a short video showcasing the firefighting motorcycle and its role in improving emergency response across the emirate.

The announcement comes as the General Directorate of Prevention and Protection continues inspections of fire alarm systems, firefighting equipment and safety installations across Sharjah. Recent field inspections were carried out to ensure suppliers comply with approved technical standards and fire safety regulations.

Sharjah has also been investing in long-term fire prevention measures. The emirate is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve building safety and strengthen fire resilience.

In addition, Sharjah Municipality is continuing its Dh100 million fire safety programme to replace building facades with fire-resistant materials. Five buildings have already been upgraded, with plans to complete similar improvements on a total of 40 buildings.

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Invite friends to Dubai and you could get over Dh3,000 in free rewards

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Thinking of convincing your family or friends to visit Dubai?

Now you have an extra incentive.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched A Dubai Invite, a new programme that rewards UAE residents and citizens for inviting loved ones from overseas to visit the emirate.

If your guests arrive in Dubai between July 20 and October 31, you could unlock more than Dh3,000 worth of rewards, including hotel stays, dining vouchers, attraction tickets and exclusive lifestyle offers.

How to claim the rewards

Getting started is simple.

Before your guest travels, register their details through the A Dubai Invite online nomination form.

Once they arrive in Dubai, their entry is verified automatically, so there’s no extra paperwork or check-in required.

Within 72 hours, you’ll receive an email with details of your reward package and instructions on how to redeem it.

Who’s eligible?

You can take part if you:

  • Are a UAE resident or citizen aged 18 or above
  • Have a valid Emirates ID
  • Invite friends or family who live outside the UAE
  • Register their visit before they arrive

Visitors must enter Dubai between July 20 and October 31, whether by air, land or sea.

The programme doesn’t include visas, so visitors must arrange their own travel documents if required.

What’s included?

Each successful nomination unlocks a reward package worth more than Dh3,000.

Offers cover:

  • Hotel stays
  • Restaurants
  • Tourist attractions
  • Lifestyle experiences

Participating brands include Careem, Hala, W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Meliá Desert Palm, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.

A few rules to remember

There are a few conditions before you start sending invites:

  • You can nominate up to five visitors per submission.
  • Each resident can receive up to three reward packages during the campaign.
  • Each visitor can only be nominated once. If someone has already registered them, another nomination won’t qualify.

The rewards will be available until December 31, 2026, unless stated otherwise.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to bring friends and family to Dubai, this could be it, and you’ll be rewarded for it too.

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