Sun Siyam Resorts staff and tourists join Olhuveli event as the Group continues its long‑running support for thalassaemia patients

Sun Siyam Resorts’ annual blood donation campaign kicked off on Saturday at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, marking the start of this year’s company‑wide humanitarian drive.

May 8 holds special meaning for the Group, it is both Sun Siyam Resorts’ anniversary and World Thalassaemia Day. In honour of the day, the company has organised blood donation activities every year since 2015.

This year’s campaign, held as part of the Group’s 36th anniversary celebrations, was inaugurated by the resort’s management. Alongside Olhuveli staff, several visiting tourists also joined the donation drive.

Assistant Group General Manager Hassan Adil said the annual campaign is one of the company’s most important CSR efforts, initiated to support thalassaemia patients across the country.

He noted that Sun Siyam Resorts Chairman and Managing Director, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, widely recognised for his philanthropy, places “great importance on giving back to society” and personally champions initiatives that benefit children and vulnerable communities. Last year alone, 465 people donated blood across all Sun Siyam properties.

Adil said participation has been increasing every year. “Compared to other companies, Sun Siyam Group is the largest blood‑donor organisation, and I am very proud of that. I’m very happy that our employees donate repeatedly,” he said.

Assistant Human Resource Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Hawwa Hana, shared updated thalassaemia statistics. She said 974 patients were registered in the Maldives as of last year, with 665 still receiving treatment. Of these, 328 receive services in Male' and 337 in the atolls. Hana thanked Maldivian Blood Services for its continued support to patients.

Secretary General of the Maldivian Thalassaemia Society, Fathimath Asila, said Sun Siyam Resorts’ annual blood drives play a crucial role in ensuring a steady supply of blood for thalassaemia children. Some children require transfusions every month, while others need them every 10–15 days, she said.

Citing 2024 data, Asila noted that one in six Maldivians is a thalassaemia carrier, with 16–18 percent of the population inheriting beta thalassaemia. One in every 120 children born in the Maldives has the condition, and more than five children die from it each year.

Similar donation events will be held at other Sun Siyam resorts in the coming days.

Sun Siyam Resorts’ founder, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, has long been known for his commitment to humanitarian work. Even as he leads one of the country’s most successful hospitality brands, Siyam consistently emphasises compassion, community welfare and initiatives that uplift children and families.

The Group operates five of the Maldives’ top resorts. Among them is Sun Siyam Olhuveli, a 45‑minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, known for its expansive experiences, including the Maldives’ longest pool, world‑class diving and surfing, and lush natural spaces ideal for family holidays.

Sun Siyam Resorts has earned numerous accolades over the years. Last year, Sun Siyam Olhuveli won the Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Lifestyle Resort at the Global Peace Hospitality Awards, while other properties in the portfolio have also received notable international recognition.