There are about 1,190 coral islands scattered across the Maldives, and with more than 170 transformed into island tourist destinations, it is a fiercely contested market for luxury hotels and resorts.
As more resorts open up on the atolls, scattered across 90,000 square kilometres of this Indian Ocean nation, many are looking to reduce their environmental impact. A 45-minute seaplane ride from the capital Male, Alila Kothaifaru is one of these resorts and a place increasingly turning its focus to sustainable tourism.
With 44 beachside villas in the natural surroundings of lush coconut palms and dense vegetation, the resort's infinity pools peek out from behind tropical bushes onto powdery white sands. They are an invitation to unwind. Alternatively, guests can choose one of 36 overwater villas, each with a private pool and pontoon from which they can take a fresh morning plunge into the crystal clear, turquoise waters.
About 12 per cent of the Maldives is covered in mangroves, which are critical to the survival of healthy island ecosystems. In tune with these natural surroundings, Alila Kothaifaru boasts a simple, modern design and is developing sustainable methods to manage its power and waste.
Currently, 12 per cent is supplied by solar power, but that will double to 25 per cent once phase two of a solar power project is complete later this year. The resort has ambitions to one day be fully reliant on renewable energy. “The biggest impact we can make on positive environment measures is definitely though solar,” said Thomas Weber, the hotel’s general manager. “We are using less diesel, and desalinate seawater, filtering it to produce drinking water.”
Staff also continuously strengthen Alila's thriving house reef by replanting coral fragments grown in an island nursery to nurture the rich diversity of the surrounding marine ecosystem.
The perfect escape
While the pace of life in these beautiful surroundings is somewhat different to the hustle and bustle of the UAE, there is also an opportunity to experience the reality of island life.
Arriving at the island’s jetty, guests are greeted by the sounds of the bodu beru, the traditional Maldivian drum made of wood from a coconut tree. Travellers staying on the island can take up lessons. The ornate instruments are often played in tune to a dance of the same name – the Boduberu – during special celebrations.
It is not just drums that are crafted from felled palm trees. Coconuts are used elsewhere on the island. From making dishes, bowls and plates from their shells, to the twine and rope created from coconut husks – nothing goes to waste.
Another must-do for visitors is a cooking lesson, using locally cultivated ingredients. Kitchens are supplied with the freshest vegetables, herbs and spices homegrown on the island's small subsistence farm, reducing the need for imported food. Meanwhile, compost generated from food waste fertilises the spice garden, providing lemon grass, basil, chilli and rosemary as well as butternut squash, tomatoes and aubergine. A dedicated garden chef offers live cooking demonstrations to bring those ingredients to life, while guests dine outdoors in the garden's beautiful surroundings.
At beachside restaurant Seasalt, breakfast and dinner is served with a spectacular view out to the thriving reef that surrounds the resort. Every Sunday, guests can meet with local fishermen and take their pick from the catch of the day.
Alongside the hotel's green credentials, there is plenty of typical Maldivian luxury to enjoy but also a sense of simplicity that mirrors traditional life in the archipelago. From an afternoon spent painting an island sunset on to a coconut shell, to a game of beach petanque or boat cruise in search of wild dolphins that regularly patrol the surrounding waters – there is an enjoyable escape for any discerning traveller.
And for the ultimate in relaxation, Alila's treetop spa is the perfect spot to unwind in the tranquillity of the leafy canopy and enjoy a range of soothing aromatherapies and massages.
A blue economy
The marine ecosystem in this part of the world is threatened by some 860 metric tonnes of daily waste generated by the scores of hotels across the Maldives atolls, the majority of which is plastic.
Sustainable use of island resources is an important aspect of the ‘Blue Economy’ in the Maldives. It also encourages young people to learn about sustainable practices, like those used on Alila Kothaifaru, and provides jobs for local communities.
In keeping with this ethos, motorised water sports are banned, adding to the island's peace and tranquillity, while fireworks are restricted to cut down on pollution. Laundry operations are done during daylight to maximise solar energy, and an anaerobic digester recycles sewage to create reusable water for irrigation and cut down waste.
“We use reusable glass bottles and only work with suppliers who don't wrap everything in plastic, so there is less waste to manage,” said Weber, who has been working in the Maldives for nine years.
Retaining the islanders' cultural identity is a key facet of this resort, and how it engages with communities living nearby. In the Raa Atoll, nearby Maduvvaree is one of 88 local islands, home to 2,500 people. The island offers an insight into how local Maldivians go about their everyday lives, and is one place where Hyatt runs community support programmes.
Fishing is the main source of income, with 90 per cent of catches exported overseas. But it is not just the lure of a lucrative career at sea that offers opportunity. New avenues are opening up in hospitality and tourism. Local people trained at the Alila resort have furthered their careers in the wider Hyatt group around the world.
Abdulla Haleem is the principal of Maduvvaree school and says that much has changed since he was a boy, growing up in the Maldives. “Back then there were many trees and only a limited number of houses,” he said. “We didn't see any vehicles and would have to leave the island for work.” Today, roads and vehicles have come to the island, but growing tourism also provides more opportunities for those who want to stay here.
Changing climes
As one of the world's lowest lying countries, there is no escaping the fact that climate change is having a major impact on the lives of those living in the Maldives.
Sadha Mohamed, executive secretary at Alila said her generation heard warnings at an early age about the perilous future of the Maldives, due to rising seas and climate change.
“When I was in school we were told that in 20 years we will not be able to live here because of sea levels, but we are still here,” she said. “There's more understanding of these issues now, so we can try to prevent these kind of problems in the future.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How green is the expo nursery?
Some 400,000 shrubs and 13,000 trees in the on-site nursery
An additional 450,000 shrubs and 4,000 trees to be delivered in the months leading up to the expo
Ghaf, date palm, acacia arabica, acacia tortilis, vitex or sage, techoma and the salvadora are just some heat tolerant native plants in the nursery
Approximately 340 species of shrubs and trees selected for diverse landscape
The nursery team works exclusively with organic fertilisers and pesticides
All shrubs and trees supplied by Dubai Municipality
Most sourced from farms, nurseries across the country
Plants and trees are re-potted when they arrive at nursery to give them room to grow
Some mature trees are in open areas or planted within the expo site
Green waste is recycled as compost
Treated sewage effluent supplied by Dubai Municipality is used to meet the majority of the nursery’s irrigation needs
Construction workforce peaked at 40,000 workers
About 65,000 people have signed up to volunteer
Main themes of expo is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and three subthemes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability.
Expo 2020 Dubai to open in October 2020 and run for six months
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
RESULTS
Main card
Bantamweight 56.4kg: Mehdi Eljamari (MAR) beat Abrorbek Madiminbekov (UZB), Split points decision
Super heavyweight 94 kg: Adnan Mohammad (IRN) beat Mohammed Ajaraam (MAR), Split points decision
Lightweight 60kg: Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Faridoon Alik Zai (AFG), RSC round 3
Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Taha Marrouni (MAR) beat Mahmood Amin (EGY), Unanimous points decision
Light welterweight 64.5kg: Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE), Unanimous points decision
Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Haroun Baka (ALG), KO second round
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
The bio:
Favourite holiday destination: I really enjoyed Sri Lanka and Vietnam but my dream destination is the Maldives.
Favourite food: My mum’s Chinese cooking.
Favourite film: Robocop, followed by The Terminator.
Hobbies: Off-roading, scuba diving, playing squash and going to the gym.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh135,000
Engine 1.6L turbo
Gearbox Six speed automatic with manual and sports mode
Power 165hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 240Nm @ 1,400rpm 0-100kph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed 420 kph (governed)
Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Other ways to buy used products in the UAE
UAE insurance firm Al Wathba National Insurance Company (AWNIC) last year launched an e-commerce website with a facility enabling users to buy car wrecks.
Bidders and potential buyers register on the online salvage car auction portal to view vehicles, review condition reports, or arrange physical surveys, and then start bidding for motors they plan to restore or harvest for parts.
Physical salvage car auctions are a common method for insurers around the world to move on heavily damaged vehicles, but AWNIC is one of the few UAE insurers to offer such services online.
For cars and less sizeable items such as bicycles and furniture, Dubizzle is arguably the best-known marketplace for pre-loved.
Founded in 2005, in recent years it has been joined by a plethora of Facebook community pages for shifting used goods, including Abu Dhabi Marketplace, Flea Market UAE and Arabian Ranches Souq Market while sites such as The Luxury Closet and Riot deal largely in second-hand fashion.
At the high-end of the pre-used spectrum, resellers such as Timepiece360.ae, WatchBox Middle East and Watches Market Dubai deal in authenticated second-hand luxury timepieces from brands such as Rolex, Hublot and Tag Heuer, with a warranty.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More on animal trafficking
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Top tips to avoid cyber fraud
Microsoft’s ‘hacker-in-chief’ David Weston, creator of the tech company’s Windows Red Team, advises simple steps to help people avoid falling victim to cyber fraud:
1. Always get the latest operating system on your smartphone or desktop, as it will have the latest innovations. An outdated OS can erode away all investments made in securing your device or system.
2. After installing the latest OS version, keep it patched; this means repairing system vulnerabilities which are discovered after the infrastructure components are released in the market. The vast majority of attacks are based on out of date components – there are missing patches.
3. Multi-factor authentication is required. Move away from passwords as fast as possible, particularly for anything financial. Cybercriminals are targeting money through compromising the users’ identity – his username and password. So, get on the next level of security using fingertips or facial recognition.
4. Move your personal as well as professional data to the cloud, which has advanced threat detection mechanisms and analytics to spot any attempt. Even if you are hit by some ransomware, the chances of restoring the stolen data are higher because everything is backed up.
5. Make the right hardware selection and always refresh it. We are in a time where a number of security improvement processes are reliant on new processors and chip sets that come with embedded security features. Buy a new personal computer with a trusted computing module that has fingerprint or biometric cameras as additional measures of protection.
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
