The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Opens Arabesque Restaurant in Fari Marina Village

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has announced the opening of Arabesque, the latest culinary experience located on the Fari Islands, an archipelago on the north-eastern tip of North Malé Atoll. The eye-catching tribute to a traditional Bedouin tent, Arabesque invites diners on a journey from Lebanon to North India at Fari Marina Village.

The addition of this restaurant is just one of seven distinct culinary venues available at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands which strikes the perfect balance between high-end dining, beachfront luxury, and wellness-centred menus.

*Image: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands*

A pleasant eight-minute journey in a dhoni, a traditional wooden boat, from the resort island to Fari Marina Village, brings guests to a sunken dining room, with hanging lanterns and colourful fabrics, sets the scene for shareable mezze platters, tandoor-grilled meats and iconic street fare. Dishes are offered alongside flavorful hookahs, Turkish coffee, Moroccan tea and creative cocktails.

We are looking forward to the continued expansion of our culinary landscape at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. This one-of-a-kind island archipelago featuring three luxury private resorts and marina village offers guests an array of meaningful experiences as well as culinary options. The culinary journey continues with the opening of Arabesque and looks ahead to the opening of Tum Tum, a food truck serving light Asian delights; the perfect welcome stop in the middle of a day of shopping and exploration at the Fari Marina Village.
Mark Hehir, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.

Arabesque is led by Chef Mohammed Negm Eldin who is continuing to embrace island life having previously served at Landaa Giraavaru in addition to several other internationally acclaimed restaurants alongside Michelin star chefs.

I am very proud to lead the talented team here at Arabesque and to be a part of expanding the culinary footprint here at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. We look forward to welcoming guests from the resort and the moment they arrive at Arabesque, we plan to take them on a culinary journey full of exciting flavors and textures that this type of cuisine is known for.
Chef Mohammed Negm Eldin said.

The menu is inspired by Lebanese and North Indian cuisine and includes signature dishes like Estacoza, a fresh grilled lobster, topped with a creamy tahini butter sauce and delicate saffron threads. Arabesque is also known for its hot mezzeh options like Qarids Kozbarya comprised of fresh prawns, sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, olives, and notes of coriander and Tandoor options like Chicken Tikka or Tandoori Bharwan Aloo.

Guest can end their meals with exquisite dessert options including Mahalabia, a delicate milk pudding topped with caramelized figs and served with a side of floral rose pastel ice cream.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and reservations inquiries, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/Maldives.

Feature image by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Opens Arabesque Restaurant in Fari Marina Village

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