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

Published

8 months ago

October 1, 2025

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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.

Michael Gomes

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.

News

Hijri New Year 2026: Dubai announces holiday for schools, universities and nurseries

Published

12 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Students, teachers and employees across the UAE are set for a long weekend after authorities confirmed Monday, June 15, as a public holiday to mark the Hijri New Year.

In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that schools, universities and early childhood centres will be closed on June 15, with classes resuming on Tuesday, June 16.

Earlier, the UAE government confirmed the same date as an official holiday for both public and private sector employees, in line with the country’s approved 2026 holiday calendar.

For most residents, the holiday creates a three-day weekend. In Sharjah, where government employees and students follow a four-day workweek, the public holiday extends the break to four days.

The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar and falls on the first day of Muharram, the calendar’s opening month. The exact start of Muharram is determined through official moon-sighting procedures.

With the holiday falling on a Monday, many residents can look forward to an extended break before normal work and school schedules resume on June 16.

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New electric bus, more stops and free rides in Ras Al Khaimah for all

Published

16 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Ras Al Khaimah residents and visitors can now ride the emirate’s first electric public bus following the launch of the upgraded Purple Route, which also offers free travel during its first month of operation.

Introduced by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), the revamped route officially entered service on June 3 and forms part of the emirate’s push towards smarter and more sustainable transport solutions.

The upgraded Purple Route now covers an additional 14 kilometres and connects key destinations between Al Nakheel and Manar Mall, including hospitals, government centres, educational institutions and residential communities.

A major highlight of the launch is the introduction of Ras Al Khaimah’s first electric bus, supporting RAKTA’s plans to expand environmentally friendly transportation and reduce emissions across the public transport network.

The service operates 12 daily trips under an enhanced schedule designed to improve reliability, reduce waiting times and make commuting easier for passengers.

The Purple Route is one of five public bus routes operating across the emirate. With the latest expansion, Ras Al Khaimah’s public transport network now spans 215 kilometres, supporting the authority’s goal of increasing urban transport coverage to 65 per cent by 2026.

Passengers can also use the Sayer app to plan journeys, check schedules and track buses in real time.

News

UAE summer working hours announced: Midday outdoor work ban begins on June 15

Published

17 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE’s annual midday work ban will come into effect on June 15, with authorities once again restricting outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day to safeguard workers from extreme summer temperatures.

The regulation prohibits work under direct sunlight and in open-air locations between 12:30pm and 3pm daily, and will remain in force until September 15.

Now in its 22nd consecutive year, the initiative reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to workplace safety and employee wellbeing, particularly during the peak summer season when heat-related health risks increase significantly.

Under the rules, employers must provide suitable shaded rest areas for workers during break periods. Companies are also required to ensure access to drinking water, hydration supplies and cooling equipment such as fans to help protect workers from heat stress.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation stated that limited exemptions will apply to certain activities where work cannot be postponed due to technical or operational requirements.

These include asphalt paving, concrete pouring and emergency maintenance work necessary to restore essential public services such as water, electricity and traffic systems. Projects requiring special government permits because of their impact on public infrastructure or movement may also be exempt.

Authorities warned that companies failing to comply with the regulations could face fines of Dh5,000 per worker found in violation, with total penalties reaching up to Dh50,000 for multiple offences.

The ministry highlighted the strong compliance levels achieved in previous years, noting that 99 per cent of companies adhered to the regulations during last year’s Heat Stress Protection campaign.

As part of broader efforts to support outdoor workers, more than 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations equipped with essential amenities were made available to delivery riders across the country.

Officials urged businesses to continue prioritising worker safety and strictly follow the summer regulations to help reduce heat-related illnesses and maintain a safe working environment throughout the season.