On 30th August 2025, the Maldives bid farewell to one of its greatest nation-builders – Mohamed Umar “M.U.” Maniku. Widely regarded as the father of Maldivian tourism, his passing marks the end of an era that began more than half a century ago, when a group of visionaries transformed a scattering of islands into one of the world’s most desired holiday destinations.
A Pioneer’s Vision
In the late 1960s, when tourism was first considered as a possible industry for the Maldives, many doubted it could succeed. The country lacked infrastructure, airports, telecommunications, and hotels. The islands were thought to be too remote for international travellers.
It was against this backdrop of uncertainty that M.U. Maniku, with a small group of compatriots, saw potential where others saw only limitation. In 1972, he co-founded Kurumba Maldives, the country’s first resort. What began as a bold experiment quickly became the cornerstone of an industry that now sustains the Maldivian economy and provides livelihoods for tens of thousands.
Building an Industry
Kurumba’s success proved that tourism in the Maldives was not only possible, but could flourish. Supplies were difficult to procure, skilled workers were scarce, and basic guest facilities had to be created from scratch. Yet under Maniku’s stewardship, the resort became a benchmark for Maldivian hospitality.
From that foundation, he went on to develop Baros Maldives, Bandos Maldives, Velidhu Island Resort and other pioneering properties. Through Universal Enterprises, where he served as Chairman, he built one of the country’s most influential hospitality portfolios.
Beyond business, his resorts became training grounds for generations of Maldivians. Many of today’s hoteliers, chefs, engineers and executives trace their careers back to his mentorship and his belief in cultivating local talent.
Service to Nation
M.U. Maniku’s role went far beyond the boardroom. He consistently dedicated himself to national service, lending his expertise and steady leadership to some of the country’s most important institutions:
- Founding Member and Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI): For decades, he was a central figure in shaping industry policy, advocating for collaboration between government and private sector, and ensuring tourism’s sustainable growth.
- Chairman of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL): In this role, he oversaw the development of the country’s main aviation gateway, ensuring that airport facilities grew alongside the expanding demands of tourism.
- Chairman of Island Aviation Services Ltd: His guidance strengthened the national carrier, enhancing domestic connectivity and enabling tourism to extend beyond Male’ to the outer atolls.
- Advisory and national roles: Over the years, he contributed to various boards and committees where his knowledge and pragmatism were sought in matters of economic planning and tourism strategy.
Through these positions, M.U. Maniku played a vital role in aligning national infrastructure with the needs of a growing global industry. His leadership ensured that the Maldives was not only a destination of beauty but also a functioning tourism economy.
A Mentor and Guiding Light
Those who worked with him describe M.U. Maniku as a mentor, a listener, and a steady hand in times of change. His leadership style combined vision with humility. He believed in empowering others, offering responsibility and trust, and nurturing a generation of professionals who would go on to lead the industry.
In moments of crisis – from global recessions to the COVID-19 pandemic – he was known for his resilience and calm determination. He led Universal Enterprises and the wider industry through decades of change, always keeping the long-term development of the nation at heart.
A Legacy Beyond Measure
Today, the Maldives welcomes more than two million tourists annually. The tourism industry generates the majority of the nation’s GDP, sustains communities across the atolls, and funds national development. This reality was unimaginable in the 1970s – and much of it is owed to the vision of pioneers like M.U. Maniku.
His passing leaves a void in both the corporate and national landscape, but his legacy endures in every resort, every hotelier he mentored, and every Maldivian whose livelihood is tied to tourism.
Remembering M.U. Maniku
In the words of Universal Enterprises, “he will forever be remembered as a pioneer whose vision, loyalty, and integrity were felt by generations of industry professionals, who will remember him with deep affection and respect.”
His life was more than the story of a businessman; it was the story of a nation finding its place in the world. His foresight, service, and dedication transformed the Maldives into a global destination while ensuring its people benefitted from the opportunities tourism created.
The Maldives will remember Mohamed Umar Maniku as its tourism architect – a pioneer, a mentor, and a national servant whose contributions shaped the country’s destiny.
Read our exclusive 2016 interview with Mohamed Umar Maniku for a deeper look into his life and legacy here.
