Siyam World Maldives has officially made global history. On December 5th, the island pulled off one of its boldest ideas yet, becoming the first resort on the planet to earn a Guinness World Records title for The Most People Snorkeling Simultaneously at a Single Venue. In partnership with Freedive Maldives, Siyam World rallied an incredible 307 snorkelers from guests, neighbors, and ocean lovers across the region, diving past the required 250 participant mark and turning the house reef into a spectacular sea of fins and fun. Guinness World Records officials flew in to verify every detail, and for the first time ever in the Maldives, every participant received an official Guinness World Records medal, making “Snorkel World 300” a milestone etched not only in record books but also in everyone’s memories.

The energy of the day embodied everything Siyam World stands for — a big, bold, anything-is-possible playground where imagination meets island life. The event was more than a record attempt; it was a celebration of marine life, community connection, and Siyam World’s adventurous DNA. The event aligned with Sun Siyam Resorts’ ongoing sustainability initiatives, encouraging guests and locals alike to appreciate and protect the natural beauty of the Maldives’ underwater world. It also served as a proud moment for the destination. As the first Guinness World Records medal ceremony ever held in the Maldives, the event spotlighted Maldivian hospitality, creativity, and ocean culture on a global stage.

“What a moment. Being the first resort in the world to set a Guinness World Records title is something we will always carry with pride, not just for Siyam World and Sun Siyam Resorts, but for the Maldives as well. We have never been the type to follow the usual path; doing the unexpected has always been our style. A huge thank you to everyone from the nearby islands who came together to make this possible,” said Ausy Waseem, Resort Manager, Siyam World.

If any resort was going to break a world record, it was always going to be Siyam World. From adrenaline-fueled adventures to quirky island experiences that spark global attention, Siyam World has earned its reputation as the Maldives’ most unrestrained, maximalist playground. This Guinness World Records title adds yet another chapter to its growing list of “only-at-Siyam” moments, proof that the resort is not just a place to stay, but a destination where the extraordinary is the everyday.

Siyam World now stands proudly as a Guinness World Records titleholder; an extraordinary accomplishment shared with the Maldives and the global travel community.

As the winter season arrives, SKM’D Café unveils a brand-new lineup of seasonal dishes designed to bring warmth, flavour, and feel-good comfort to the heart of Jumeirah. Known for its fresh, nourishing approach to dining, SKM’D introduces a winter menu that blends indulgent comfort food with the café’s signature wholesome twist, perfect for cosy evenings, post-beach breakfasts, and everything in between.

The new dishes spotlight rich flavours, vibrant ingredients and elevated simplicity, offering guests a delicious way to settle into the winter season.

Winter Warmers: Comfort in Every Bite

Veal Risotto
A deeply comforting classic, this creamy risotto features shimeji and oyster mushrooms, enriched with parmesan, herb oil, and fresh parsley. Slow-braised veal adds a luxurious depth of flavour, making it the perfect hearty pick for cooler days.

⁠Coconut Spiced Prawns
A warm, aromatic bowl of jumbo prawns simmered in homemade curry paste, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, coconut cream, and a touch of red chilli. Served with fluffy coconut rice, it delivers a balance of spice, sweetness and richness. It’s a winter comfort dish with SKM’D’s signature fresh edge.

Seafood Pesto Fusilli
Clams, mussels, and squid come together in this vibrant dish, tossed with basil pesto and cherry tomatoes. It’s light, fragrant, satisfying and a coastal escape in pasta form. An ideal dish for those seeking a nourishing, yet indulgent winter plate.

A Fresh Burst for the Season: Tuscan Garden Salad

For those craving something crisp and refreshing, the Tuscan Garden Salad offers a colourful mix of baby gem, alfalfa sprouts, onions, snow peas, red radish, avocado, healthy seeds, and beansprouts, all elevated with a creamy Italian dressing. Bright, crunchy, and perfectly balanced, it’s a refreshing counterpoint to the café’s new comfort-driven dishes.

A Winter Menu for Every Mood

Whether guests want to warm up after a beach walk, enjoy a cosy lunch with friends, or discover something new for dinner, SKM’D Café’s winter dishes capture the season’s spirit: hearty, wholesome, and crafted with care.

As Dubai’s perfect winter weather arrives and the festive season comes to life, ME by Meliá Dubai invites guests to embrace December with a curated lineup of seasonal experiences. Guests can savour comforting holiday flavours with Central Restaurant’s Festive Business Lunch, enjoy relaxed evenings under the stars with the newly launched Grill by ME, an elegant daily al-fresco dining experience that also offers a special New Year’s Eve celebration – or unwind with indulgent spa rituals designed to restore balance during the busiest time of year.

With its chic atmosphere, thoughtful dining concepts, wellness-led offerings, and sun-soaked cabana moments by the pool, December at ME by Meliá Dubai is an invitation to celebrate the season and indulge in the art of living well.

New Year’s Eve at ME by Meliá Dubai

Ring in 2026 in true ME style as the Pool Terrace transforms into a vibrant open-air celebration beneath Dubai’s glittering skyline. With the city’s glittering lights as the backdrop, guests can look forward to an evening filled with flavour, music, and memorable moments shared among friends and loved ones.

Savour an international feast featuring live cooking stations, indulge in festive favourites thoughtfully prepared by the culinary team, and enjoy dynamic live entertainment that sets the tone for a night of joyful anticipation. As midnight approaches, gather for an electrifying countdown as we welcome the arrival of 2026 in signature ME fashion.

Marc-Antoine Barrois x ME by Meliá Dubai – A New Creative Collaboration

ME by Meliá Dubai welcomes an exclusive collaboration with Maison Marc-Antoine Barrois, the independent French couture and fragrance house renowned for its poetic surrealism, refined craftsmanship, and singular artistic universe. Known for modern olfactory icons such as B683, Ganymede, Encélade, and the Maison’s newest creation, Tilia, the brand brings its imaginative aesthetic into the hotel’s architectural landmark.

As part of the collaboration, guests will discover a Marc-Antoine Barrois–designed Christmas tree displayed in the hotel’s dramatic atrium, an installation that reflects the Maison’s timeless elegance and its distinctive blend of creativity and wonder.

In addition, a curated selection of Marc-Antoine Barrois fragrances will be available for purchase daily from 12pm to 8pm, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the brand’s celebrated creations within ME by Meliá Dubai’s vibrant cultural setting.

Festive Business Lunch at Central Restaurant

This December, Central Restaurant invites guests to take a well-deserved pause from the seasonal rush and indulge in a Festive Business Lunch crafted to inspire warmth, connection, and culinary delight. Thoughtfully curated by the Executive Chef, the menu showcases the very best of the season with dishes that celebrate comforting flavours and elegant festive flair. Guests can begin with the velvety Velouté of Chestnut & Pumpkin soup, a rich blend of roasted pumpkin and chestnut that captures the essence of winter, or opt for the vibrant Mediterranean Octopus, paired with potato, baby romaine, and a bold black garlic emulsion for a fresh, refined start.

For the main course, highlights include the beautifully Herbed Turkey Roulade, served with rosemary-roasted root vegetables and a bright cranberry reduction, a sophisticated take on a holiday classic, alongside the indulgent Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder, finished with parsnip purée, roasted baby carrots, and a deep, aromatic jus. Guests seeking a meat-free option will enjoy the comforting Artichoke Risotto, finished with parmesan, mushroom, and parsley for a fragrant, creamy finish.

To end on a sweet, celebratory note, desserts offer a truly festive finale: the decadent Buche de Noël with dark chocolate and kirsch-soaked cherries, the delicate Festive Triffle layered with vanilla meringue and berries, and the beautifully spiced Winter Ginger Mille-Feuille, infused with warm winter spices and caramel.

Whether dining solo, taking a well-earned break from festive shopping with friends, or gathering colleagues for a cheerful Christmas lunch, this midday experience offers a deliciously memorable way to savour the season.

Wellness by ME – Get Festive with ME

This festive season, Wellness by ME invites guests to step into a world of serene indulgence with Get Festive With ME – a curated collection of joyful spa experiences designed to inspire relaxation, rejuvenation, and well-being. From hydrating facials to warm, aromatic massages, each treatment promises moments of pure bliss, complemented by complimentary access to the pool, sauna, and gym with every spa booking.

Guests can immerse themselves in Holiday Bliss (AED 500), featuring a 60-minute Hydra Boost Facial paired with a 30-minute Rescue Release Massage, or unwind with the Winter Warmer (AED 450), combining a soothing 60-minute Recovery Warm Oil Massage with a 30-minute Lavender Luxe Buff Body Scrub for ultimate seasonal comfort. For the generous gifter, For Your Santa offers exceptional value with packages of five 60-minute massages or four 90-minute massages, both at AED 1,750, delivering substantial savings and unforgettable relaxation.

For those looking to treat someone special this season but unsure what to gift, spa gift certificates, starting from AED 450 – offer the perfect gesture of indulgence.

Grill by ME

As the weather turns perfect for al-fresco dining, enjoy a relaxed yet elegant evening at ME by Meliá Dubai’s striking Pool Terrace with Grill by ME. Set inside the architectural icon that redefined the city’s skyline, this new open-air dining experience pairs contemporary style with effortless comfort –  the kind of place where chilled beats, live grill stations, and ME Dubai’s signature modern energy come together seamlessly. Guests can explore a thoughtfully curated buffet featuring fresh salads, handmade pasta crafted at interactive stations, sizzling grilled favourites, and decadent desserts, all designed to elevate simple flavours with finesse.

Perfect for intimate evenings or vibrant gatherings with family and friends, Grill by ME offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of Dubai after dark.

The Cabana Experience

Soak up the winter sunshine in ultimate style with the Cabana Experience. Perfect for sunbathing, splashing in the pool, or simply lounging in comfort, each cabana is designed to be a private oasis. Standard room guests can enjoy a cabana for AED 250 (for two people), complete with two refreshing beverages of choice, mineral water, cooling towels and a hand fan, plus sun protection by Deeper Beauty to keep everyone perfectly pampered under the sun. Suite guests receive a complimentary cabana with the same indulgent inclusions. Whether it’s sipping a chilled drink poolside, cooling off in the pool, or simply basking in the rays, the Cabana Experience transforms an ordinary day into a sun-soaked escape full of relaxation, fun, and effortless luxury.

Deeper Beauty – Sun Care Elevated

ME by Meliá Dubai proudly continues it’s collaboration with  Deeper Beauty, a UAE-born SPF brand that seamlessly blends inclusivity, sustainability, and high-performance skincare. Crafted to protect and celebrate every skin tone, Deeper Beauty’s lightweight, non-white cast formula delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without compromise, making it especially suited for darker complexions. Perfect for sun-soaked days by the pool or outdoor adventures, it ensures skin stays nourished, protected, and radiant.

Whether applied before a relaxing cabana day or on-the-go, Deeper Beauty makes sun protection effortless, effective, and suitable for every skin tone.