Marriott International has appointed Maria Turkmani as the new Multi-Property Marketing & PR Manager for Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf and Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek. Tasked with driving strategic growth and brand storytelling, Maria will lead marketing and communications initiatives designed to enhance visibility, strengthen positioning and build guest engagement across the cluster.

Maria’s leadership will bring a fresh perspective to the Al Jaddaf cluster. Her focus will be on creative brand campaigns, innovative partnerships and community engagement strategies that reinforce Marriott’s reputation for excellence and connection.

With over a decade of experience in PR, marketing and luxury hospitality, Maria has a proven record in developing and executing integrated campaigns that deliver measurable results. Before joining Marriott International, she served as PR & Marketing Manager at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, where she successfully managed communications across three properties, contributing to revenue growth and enhanced brand reputation.

Saad Al Ghamdi, Multi-Property General Manager at Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments, Al Jaddaf and Marriott Executive Apartments, Dubai Creek said:

“Maria’s appointment marks an exciting step forward for the Al Jaddaf cluster. Her innovative mindset and collaborative approach will help us redefine how we engage with our guests and partners, driving meaningful growth and positioning our properties at the forefront of Dubai’s hospitality scene”

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah successfully hosted an inspiring art exhibition early this month showcasing the creative work of students from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services – Masarat Center for Development and Empowerment. The exhibition, which showcased more than ten artworks, titled “Women Through the Artist’s Eyes,” celebrated the beauty, strength, and stories of women as seen through the unique perspectives of young artists with diverse abilities.

The event brought together art, empowerment, and community engagement, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to supporting meaningful social initiatives and inclusive development.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said: “These artworks represent far more than creative expression. They are powerful stories of resilience, imagination, and personal vision. Each canvas reflects dedication, emotion, and the incredible talent of these remarkable students. Coral Beach Resort Sharjah is proud to support platforms that highlight and empower young individuals with unique abilities.”

From the Masarat Center, Mohamed Abdelreda Shalwani, Head of the Recruitment Department, emphasized the importance of collaborations that open real opportunities for students and graduates:

“This partnership plays a key role in empowering our students by creating opportunities to showcase their abilities through exhibitions, training programs, and employment pathways. It reflects the alignment between the center’s mission to empower persons with disabilities and the hospitality sector’s need for skilled, motivated talent.”

The Recruitment Department at Masarat Center further confirmed that the partnership represents a strategic step toward strengthening inclusion within the hospitality industry, enabling students to gain practical experience while developing their professional and creative skills. As Coral Beach Resort Sharjah continues to welcome and support talented students from the center, the hotel aims to foster an environment that nurtures creativity, builds confidence, and contributes to a more inclusive future in line with Sharjah and the UAE’s vision for empowerment and social development.

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.