Ali Shameem, a veteran of the Maldivian tourism industry, has been appointed as the new Resort Manager of Kudadoo Private Island, marking a significant milestone in his over two-decade-long career. Shameem’s inspiring journey to success is a tale of hard work and perseverance, starting as an F&B waiter at Soneva Gili in 2002 and gradually working his way up the ladder.

Shameem’s passion for astronomy has played a vital role in his career, receiving training from renowned astronomers such as Parag Mahajani, Giovanni Benjamin, and Massimo Tarenghi. In 2010, he even had the opportunity to meet Buzz Aldrin, the second man to step on the moon, and learn about the cosmos. His interest in astronomy also led to setting up an observatory at Soneva Fushi, becoming the first and only Maldivian to introduce stargazing in a commercial approach. This move proved to be a financial success and significantly improved the overall guest experience in the tourist property.

Shameem’s dedication and commitment to his work paid off, and he eventually became a Butler Supervisor at Soneva Gili and went on to become the Assistant Front Office Manager at Anantara Kihavah Villas in 2015. With his vast experience in the hospitality industry, Shameem’s vision for Kudadoo Private Island is to make it a benchmark resort in the Maldives, providing the ultimate luxury experience for guests.

In an interview, Shameem expressed his excitement about his new role, saying, “I always wanted to manage a hotel. My aim was to be a General Manager or a Resort Manager one day.” His appointment has been widely congratulated in the tourism industry, with many recognizing his inspiring journey and the message it sends about the power of hard work and determination.