Universal Resorts rebrands as VERSA, launches NIVA as cornerstone of global strategy
Universal Enterprises, parent company of Universal Resorts, which pioneered Maldivian hospitality over 50 years ago, on Monday announced the rebranding of its hotel management arm to VERSA Hospitality and simultaneously launched its new hospitality lifestyle brand, NIVA Hotels & Resorts. This strategic shift transforms the independent family business from a respected and largely B2B-focused resort […]
MATI opens Book of Condolence for Mohamed Umar Maniku
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has announced the opening of a Book of Condolence in memory of the late Mohamed Umar Maniku (MU Maniku), a pioneer and visionary of the Maldivian tourism industry. The Book of Condolence will be available for signing from Sunday, 7 September 2025, until Sunday, 14 September 2025 (excluding […]
Mohamed Umar Maniku: Architect of Maldivian tourism
On 30th August 2025, the Maldives bid farewell to one of its greatest nation-builders – Mohamed Umar “M.U.” Maniku. Widely regarded as the father of Maldivian tourism, his passing marks the end of an era that began more than half a century ago, when a group of visionaries transformed a scattering of islands into one […]
Maldives tourism pioneer MU Maniku dies
Mohamed Umar Maniku (MU Maniku), a key figure in the establishment and growth of the Maldives tourism industry, has died in Singapore. He passed away on Saturday while in intensive care at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment for about a month. In a statement issued on Saturday, Universal Enterprises announced: […]
Universal Foundation celebrates success of hospitality and culinary training programmes
Universal Foundation, in strategic collaboration with Villa College and Universal Resorts, recently marked a significant milestone in its commitment to youth development and vocational training. Held at the Islamic Centre Hall, the ceremony celebrated the graduation of the 6th cohort of the Discover Hospitality Programme (Certificate III in Hospitality Management) and the inaugural batch of […]
Universal Foundation opens fully-funded scholarships in hospitality, health sectors
The Universal Foundation has announced a series of fully funded scholarships for Maldivian citizens, aimed at enhancing the nation’s human resource capacity in both the hospitality and healthcare sectors. The initiative is part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to contribute to national development by investing in education and skills training. The scholarship programme includes 37 […]
Universal Foundation awards fully funded medical scholarships
Today, a ceremony was held to present fully funded scholarships for medical specialisation programs by the Universal Foundation. The recipients of these scholarships are: Dr. Fathimath Mishfa Waseem, Master of Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. Dr. Nuha Abdoul Rahman, Master of Paediatrics, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. Dr. Aminath Najdha, Master of Medicine […]
Universal Resorts celebrates triple win in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024
Universal Resorts has announced that three of its eight unique resorts have been recognised in the esteemed Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, securing top spots in the “World’s Best Resorts – Indian Ocean” category. The 27th edition of these prestigious awards features Huvafen Fushi, Milaidhoo, and Baros as favourites among discerning travellers worldwide, […]
Universal Foundation leads Hulhumalé beach cleanup initiative for World Cleanup Day
The Universal Foundation organised a large-scale community clean-up event at Hulhumalé Beach on September 20th in honour of World Cleanup Day 2024. More than 300 employees from Universal’s corporate office and resorts took part in the initiative, joining 23 million participants worldwide in a collective effort to combat waste pollution. World Cleanup Day is an […]
MU Maniku says engaging Maldivians in tourism key to progress
Mohamed Umar Maniku, a pioneering figure in the Maldives tourism industry and Chairman of Universal, emphasised the significance of involving Maldivians in the tourism sector during a recent event. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the fourth batch of the Universal Foundation and Villa College Discover Hospitality programme, where certificates were presented to the fifth […]
Universal Foundation launches fifth batch of Discover Hospitality programme
Universal Foundation and Villa College have marked a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of the fourth batch of the Discover Hospitality programme, followed by the commencement of the fifth batch. This collaborative effort is aimed at providing comprehensive training for Maldivians seeking opportunities in the tourism industry. During a ceremony held at the Manhattan […]
Exclusive: M.U. Maniku – Crafting a Legacy
In a career spanning several decades, M.U. Maniku has remained at the forefront of innovation and is dedicated to his vision of making the Maldives a leading international tourist destination.
