Hulhule’ Island Hotel (HIH) is preparing to deliver a Ramadan dining experience like no other, offering guests a variety of exceptional Iftar and Tharavees celebrations. This year, guests can enjoy a rich fusion of flavors at both Uduvilaa and the newly reopened Faru Coffee House, featuring Arabic, international, Maldivian, Indian, and Sri Lankan cuisines. Moreover, HIH makes it easy for guests to access these extraordinary dining experiences with direct ferry transfers from Malé to the hotel.
A Trio of Culinary Masters
HIH’s Iftar celebrations this year feature a distinguished trio of chefs, each bringing unique expertise to the table. Together, they will craft an extraordinary dining experience that blends tradition with innovation. Let’s meet these talented chefs who will elevate the Iftar celebrations at Hulhule Island Hotel:
Chef Waled Mohamed Salem Abd El Gawad
Chef Waled Mohamed Salem Abd El Gawad, a celebrated Arabic chef with over 23 years of experience, leads the culinary charge this Ramadan. Known for blending authenticity with innovation, Chef Waled has played a key role in HIH’s Ramadan celebrations in the past. In fact, he worked at HIH from 2016 to 2019, gaining recognition for his Arabic cuisine during Ramadan. Chef Waled fosters a culture of excellence in his kitchen, inspiring his team to consistently deliver remarkable results.
This year, he returns exclusively for the season to ensure the authenticity and richness of HIH’s Arabic culinary offerings. Thanks to his vast experience and dedication, Chef Waled will guarantee an unforgettable Iftar experience, with every dish crafted to leave a lasting impression.
Chef Ibrahim Naeem
Executive Chef Ibrahim Naeem rejoined HIH in December 2024, adding his leadership and expertise to this year’s Iftar celebrations. Given Ibrahim’s strong connection with HIH, which spans several years, he previously served as Sous Chef and Kitchen Executive from 2016 to 2019. His deep understanding of the hotel’s dining standards ensures that guests will enjoy the same exceptional Iftar experience they have come to expect.
Chef Ibrahim has also held prominent roles such as Director of Operations at KHG Hotels and Country President of the World Association of Master Chefs. Additionally, he is a certified judge with the World Chef Organization. Ibrahim’s leadership, vast knowledge, and dedication to quality make him a key player in the success of HIH’s Iftar offerings, as he leads his team to provide extraordinary culinary experiences.
Chef Ismail Naseer
Executive Sous Chef Ismail Naseer, with over 15 years of experience, brings both creativity and passion to HIH’s kitchen. Having honed his skills at HIH, Chef Ismail has greatly contributed to the hotel’s reputation for culinary excellence. His achievements, including winning 1st place in the Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives Festive Meal Category in 2016 and in the Hotel Asia Maldives Hot Appetizer Category in 2013, showcase his talent and dedication.
Chef Ismail is known for pushing culinary boundaries while staying true to traditional dishes. Because of his innovative approach and attention to detail, guests will enjoy a memorable Iftar experience at HIH. As part of this elite team, Chef Ismail collaborates closely with his colleagues to create a dining experience that blends classic flavors with exciting new twists.
An Unforgettable Ramadan Experience
With these three exceptional chefs leading the way, HIH’s Iftar celebrations promise a culinary journey that merges tradition with innovation. Guests can indulge in a curated menu made with the finest ingredients and served in an unforgettable setting. Whether they savor authentic Arabic dishes crafted by Chef Waled, enjoy Chef Ibrahim’s leadership and expertise, or delight in Chef Ismail’s creative offerings, each chef brings something unique to the table. Ultimately, they will ensure that the Iftar experience at Hulhule’ Island Hotel will be truly unforgettable.
