At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Maldivian cuisine is honoured not merely as food but as a reflection of island heritage and identity. One of its most meaningful traditions is the preparation of Kandu Kukulhu, the Maldives’ iconic rolled tuna curry. Rooted in local custom and shared across generations, this dish has become the heart of Vilu Reef’s weekly Maldivian cooking classes, offering an intimate encounter with the flavours, techniques, and stories that define the islands. As part of the resort’s signature culinary journey, it brings the Maldivian spirit to life through authentic tastes and thoughtful storytelling.

Deeply rooted in local tradition, Kandu Kukulhu reflects centuries of craft and care. At Vilu Reef, the experience is guided by the resort’s Maldivian chefs, who demonstrate each step with the precision and intuition that comes from generations of practice. Guests will discover to artfully slice the tuna and layer it with aromatic spices to binding the rolls with coconut or pandan leaf. As the curry slowly cooks in coconut milk, its scent fills the atmosphere, offering a vivid glimpse into everyday island cooking. It is an experience that lingers long after the final tasting.

Kandu Kukulhu, which literally translates to “chicken of the sea,” is the Maldivian special tuna curry, a remarkable tribute to the Maldives islands’ deep-rooted connection to the ocean.

“Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s culinary story celebrates Maldivian heritage, moving beyond simply serving fresh seafood,” says Chef de Cuisine Mohamed Hameed, known as Chef Printey. ” It is a connection to our islands, our people, and the traditions that shaped Maldivian cuisine. By sharing these methods, we bring our cultural narrative to life in the most sincere way.”

The cooking class forms a key part of the Maldivian Roots Signature Experience, that highlights the flavours, crafts, and cultural expressions that define the Maldives. It embodies the Sun Siyam philosophy of celebrating island life through meaningful encounters and genuine Maldivian spirit. This experience is available for all guests at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and can be booked in advance during their stay.

Author’s Lounge at Voco Bonnington, JLT is one of the neighbourhood’s most relaxed and welcoming spots for easy, all-day dining. The ambience is calm and inviting. Soft neutral tones, spacious seating, and warm lighting create a laid-back atmosphere that works for every part of the day. Whether you want a peaceful corner to unwind with a book or a bright spot for a morning meeting, the lounge keeps the experience effortless.

The menu offers reliable favourites and fresh flavours that suit every mood. Breakfast brings familiar plates served with enough substance to start the day well. Lunchtime leans toward crisp salads, sandwiches, and light plates perfect for a quick bite. The offering expands to comforting mains that suit both hotel guests and regular visitors from the community. The pastry counter adds another layer of appeal, especially for those looking for a quick treat or a simple accompaniment to their coffee.

The beverage programme is a defining element of Author’s Lounge. A focused team of baristas maintains consistency across every cup. Espresso-based drinks are balanced, iced coffees remain smooth without heavy sweetness, and the tea selection caters to guests who prefer clean, refreshing profiles. It is a menu designed around dependability rather than novelty, which is exactly why it resonates with its regulars. In a city that gravitates toward spectacle, Author’s Lounge succeeds by keeping the experience grounded. Its appeal comes from thoughtful details, consistent quality.

As part of voco Bonnington JLT’s broader dining landscape, Author’s Lounge supports the hotel’s vision of accessible, high-quality hospitality. It serves hotel guests, working professionals, and JLT residents with equal consideration, offering a space that adapts to the rhythm of daily life in a seamless and welcoming way. Its long operating hours add to its convenience, making it a reliable option from early mornings through late evenings.

Attributed by Maqsood Mohommad, Founder & Chairman, AFM Holding Group

The UAE’s real estate sector is entering a pivotal new phase, one defined not by rapid expansion alone, but by strategic consolidation, smarter investment frameworks and the deep integration of technology across the value chain. As we look ahead to 2026, investors are increasingly prioritising structured solutions, data-backed insights and future-ready assets. The appetite for Dubai real estate remains strong, yet the mindset of the global investor has fundamentally shifted. Today’s buyers want clarity, measurable value propositions and the confidence that comes from operating in a regulated and technologically advanced ecosystem.

As the Founder of AFM Properties, I have witnessed firsthand how Dubai’s exceptional growth-driven by international investor interest, long-term visa programs, and solid economic fundamentals-has matured into a more selective and sustainable market. This evolution is both timely and healthy. It is pushing developers and agencies like ours to focus on quality, transparency, and long-term value creation, rather than short-term gains or transaction volume.

At AFM Properties, this shift has shaped our strategy in concrete ways. We are building smarter investment offerings, strengthening our global outreach and developing a broker network that extends far beyond the UAE. Our expanded Broker Connect Program is designed to reach international markets that have yet to fully tap into Dubai’s potential, ensuring that global investors can access high-performing opportunities with ease and transparency.

Technology sits at the heart of this transformation. Across AFM Properties, we are integrating digital tools, data analytics and automated systems to create a seamless, informed, and trustworthy investment experience. From digital-first marketing to real-time market insights, technology has become the decision-making engine for modern real estate, empowering investors anywhere in the world to evaluate opportunities clearly and make confident decisions. This mindset has become a central pillar within AFM Properties, elevating the customer experience while reinforcing the integrity of the investment process.

The UAE’s broader business environment mirrors this momentum. Diversification and innovation remain among the country’s greatest strengths, and these principles guide all AFM Holding Group ventures. For us, diversification is not simply about entering multiple industries;it is about creating interconnected ecosystems that support and enhance one another. Real estate is now deeply linked to our global outreach platforms, digital capabilities, and professional networks, enabling AFM Properties to operate with scale and agility in an increasingly competitive landscape.

As some segments of the UAE market approach saturation, global expansion becomes more critical than ever. The companies that will shape the next chapter of growth are those that reach beyond traditional markets, forge long-term international partnerships, and adopt a genuinely global mindset. Our Broker Connect Program reflects this philosophy, empowering brokers worldwide to represent Dubai properties under the AFM umbrella. This strengthens foreign investor channels, expands our global footprint, and supports the UAE’s ambition to remain a leading global investment hub.

Ultimately, the resilience of the UAE’s real estate sector will depend on businesses that combine innovation with global ambition. At AFM Properties, our mission is to support this vision by connecting international investors to a market that consistently delivers safety, growth, and long-term value. As we move toward 2026, the companies that embrace technology, transparency, and global connectivity will not only thrive—they will define the next era of real estate transformation in the UAE.