How Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Is Keeping Maldivian Culture Alive: The smell reaches you before anything else: warm coconut oil, faintly sweet, drifting from a low-roofed  beach house. Inside, a woman works patiently with her hands, pressing, turning and drawing the oil slowly from the flesh, just as it has been done for generations on these islands. Standing on a tiny coral island in the South Nilandhe Atoll, time seems to lose its importance.

This is Athireege, the cultural heart of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within Sun Siyam. It is not a museum, nor a demonstration staged for the camera. It is a living sanctuary where the crafts, rituals and flavours of traditional  Maldivian life are practised by hand, by voice and by fire. Here, an immersive cultural journey invites guests to discover the traditions, flavours and stories that continue to shape island life, offering a deeper connection to the Maldives beyond its postcard-perfect beaches.

Once a week, guests are invited to experience Maldivian Roots Day, a journey that reveals the customs, skills and traditions that have shaped island life for generations. Visitors leave with more than memories of turquoise waters they leave with a deeper understanding of the place they have called home, even if only for a few days.

The experience begins with a hands-on coconut oil making class, uncovering traditional crafting techniques first-hand at Athireege. Authenticity is the soul of this space, where traditional island living is brought to life using real, handcrafted tools. Guests can run their fingers over the very techniques that Maldivians have used to sustain island life for centuries whether witnessing the intricate art of palm weaving known as Fangi Vinun, trying their hand at coir rope making, known in Dhivehi as Roanu Veshun or playing traditional mancala style games like Ohvalhu Gondi Kulhun.

As the afternoon softens into evening, pandan-infused tea is served alongside sweet and savoury local delicacies. As daylight fades, stories take their place. History of Maldives, real experiences with island tales and memories of life before tourism are shared aloud, reviving a tradition that once passed history from one generation to the next.

The centre of this cultural journey is the Malaafaih, a magnificent, traditional Maldivian banquet. Translating roughly to “abundance,” the Malaafaih was historically prepared for grand celebrations, weddings, and community gatherings. This carefully curated feast invites guests to gather, share, and experience authentic local flavours in a deeply communal setting, honouring the true spirit of island hospitality.

At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, the Malaafaih is celebrated both at sunrise, as a traditional breakfast, and beneath the stars as an evening feast. The menu changes with the season and the day’s catch, but its spirit remains the same, dishes are shared, conversations unfold naturally, and strangers often leave the table feeling like friends. Whether beginning the day with a traditional breakfast or gathering beneath the stars for an evening feast, guests can completely immerse themselves in this rare culinary ritual, tailored exclusively to their stay.

At a time when travellers increasingly seek meaningful connections with the places they visit, Athireege offers something becoming increasingly rare: traditions that are still lived rather than performed. Long after the final stories have been told and the feast has ended, it is often these moments not simply the beaches or the villas that guests remember most. At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, space has always been made for the culture that made these islands worth travelling to in the first place.

Society UAE, the premier lifestyle dining destination, is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated new Brunch offer, going live across both its Dubai and Abu Dhabi locations on August 15th.

Society Unveils A Signature Brunch Across Dubai And Abu Dhabi

Served exclusively on Society’s signature wooden brunch board, the new offering is a meticulously curated feast crafted from the finest, freshest ingredients. Each board is designed to deliver a complete and balanced culinary experience, featuring one hearty main course, one freshly baked pastry, one savoury side dish, and one indulgent dessert. The selections of main dishes include a creamy roasted chicken and mushroom pie, truffle soft scramble on a warm croffle, and huevos rancheros. Desserts include a range of Society’s classic French Toast, Syrniki and creamy dessert cups by MAD Hospitality’s nostaligc dessert concept, HAZE. Fresh pastries include mini garlic bread, mini shio pan and almond croissant while guests can indulge in their favorite side dishes including french fries, chicken sausage or arugula salad. To complement the meal, guests can select one classic beverage of their choice, featuring premium coffee or fresh juice to savour throughout the brunch.

The wooden board concept is designed to be the ultimate centerpiece for social gatherings. Whether it is a relaxed weekend morning with the family or a long catch-up with friends, Society’ Brunch offers a communal, high-quality dining experience tailored for sharing and savoring.

Offer Details:

• Launch Date: August 15, 2026
• Locations: Society Dubai, Jumeirah 1 and Society Abu Dhabi, Al Mamsha, Al Saadiyat
• The Menu: The signature wooden brunch board includes 1 Main, 1 Pastry, 1 Side Dish, 1 Dessert, plus 1 Classic Drink.
• Pricing: AED 120 per board (including drink)
• Availability:  Saturday and Sunday from 8:00AM until 2:00PM
• For reservations and more information, please call: +971 56 408  7099 for Society Abu Dhabi, and +97150 210 0096 for Society Dubai.

Opening its doors today, Bloom Arjaan by Rotana marks a new chapter for hospitality on Saadiyat Island. Developed through a partnership between Rotana, one of the region’s leading hotel management companies, and Bloom Holding, the contemporary lifestyle hotel introduces a fresh, neighbourhood-led approach to hospitality in the capital.

Located in Saadiyat Island’s Marina District, Bloom Arjaan by Rotana sits at the heart of one of Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, just steps from the waterfront promenade, restaurants, cafés, and boutiques of Mamsha Al Saadiyat and minutes from the world-renowned Saadiyat Cultural District, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. The 217-key property combines the flexibility of residential living with the services of a premium hotel, complemented by flexible co-working spaces, dedicated pet-friendly facilities, and Distrikt Social, a vibrant neighbourhood restaurant designed to bring together residents, visitors and the local community.

Commenting on the opening, Rotana CEO, Philip Barnes said: “The opening of Bloom Arjaan by Rotana marks another important step in our growth in Abu Dhabi, complementing our already strong offering on the island through Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas. In response to evolving travel and lifestyle trends, we are focused on curating flexible experiences that reflect how people increasingly choose to stay, work and connect. Our partnership with Bloom Holding enables us to bring this vision to life while continuing to evolve our portfolio around the changing needs of our guests.”

“The opening of Bloom Arjaan by Rotana reflects our long-term vision of curating destinations that enrich the way people live and experience our communities. Hospitality has always been an integral part of Bloom Holding’s strategy, complementing our residential developments while elevating the appeal and vibrancy of the destinations we create. Through our portfolio of internationally recognised five-star hotels and serviced residences, developed in partnership with leading global hospitality brands, we continue to attract visitors, support tourism, and contribute to the long-term economic value of Abu Dhabi. Bloom Arjaan by Rotana further strengthens this vision by introducing a hospitality offering that responds to evolving guest expectations with quality and exceptional service in Saadiyat Island, one of the capital’s most sought-after destinations,” added Bloom Holding CEO, Carlos Wakim.

Designed for both short visits and extended stays, the hotel features spacious studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, guest rooms, and suites, with connecting options available for families. Merging the comfort of apartment-style living with the services and amenities of a full-service hotel, the accommodation offers generous open-plan living spaces, contemporary interiors, and well-appointed kitchens. Pet-friendly accommodation, including a dedicated Pawfect Apartment, complemented by thoughtful amenities for four-legged companions, ensures that every member of the family feels welcome.

Beyond the accommodation, Bloom Arjaan by Rotana offers a range of facilities that support both work and leisure. Guests can enjoy a rooftop infinity pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness centre, five flexible meeting rooms, co-working spaces, complimentary access to Saadiyat Beach, and two outdoor event venues.

Dining is centred around Distrikt Social, the hotel’s vibrant all-day restaurant and bar, where fresh ingredients, global and local flavours, and a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere set the tone from morning through to night. From speciality coffee and signature breakfasts to colourful lunches, bar bites, creative cocktails, zero-proof drinks, and lively evenings, the venue has been designed as a place where guests, residents, and visitors naturally come together. With indoor seating, a lively bar, selected pet-friendly areas, and a ground-floor terrace with easy street access, Distrikt Social offers a flexible setting for everyday dining, theme nights, brunches, social gatherings, and private events.

Available within Distrikt Social, the 24/7 Grab & Go offers light snacks and drinks for guests on the move, with a convenient self-checkout counter where guests can simply grab, scan, pay and go. Round-the-clock in-room dining further complements the hotel’s flexible dining offering.

Now open, Bloom Arjaan by Rotana invites guests to book their stay and discover a new neighbourhood destination where contemporary residential living, vibrant dining, and warm hospitality come together in the heart of Saadiyat Island. The opening marks another milestone in the long-standing partnership between Rotana and Bloom Holding, reflecting their shared commitment to delivering distinctive hospitality experiences that enrich Abu Dhabi’s evolving tourism landscape.