Visit Maldives has announced the forthcoming “Maldivian Evening 2025," a high-profile cultural and promotional event set to take place at the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) in Dubai on April 28, 2025.

Scheduled from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the event will be held on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) and aims to present the Maldives as a dynamic and multifaceted luxury destination.

Maldivian Evening 2025 forms part of Visit Maldives’ strategic shift towards storytelling and cultural immersion as core components of its destination marketing. The event also reflects a new focus on region-specific campaigns aimed at generating high impact and deeper engagement with target markets.

ATM Dubai 2025 has been designated by Visit Maldives as its flagship travel trade fair of the year, underscoring the strategic importance of this occasion. The organisation aims to strengthen its ties with trade partners and media, reposition the Maldives as a premier global destination, and boost awareness of the country’s diverse offerings across properties, experiences, and cultural heritage.

Targeting an audience that includes travel trade professionals, media representatives, VIPs, influential personalities, and government stakeholders, the evening is designed as a multi-sensory journey through the Maldives. A Maldivian-themed red carpet reception will open the event, with guided tours of the TODA venue provided by Visit Maldives officials and special hosts. The foyer will be activated with multiple opportunities for media engagement and content creation.

The event is expected to offer an immersive experience that blends theatre, music, gastronomy, fashion, and storytelling, placing a strong emphasis on the Maldives' rich cultural narratives and luxury appeal. In particular, it will spotlight emerging themes such as film tourism, heritage, and experiential travel, aligning with the destination’s evolving promotional strategy.

Visit Maldives CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree described the event as an immersive journey through Maldivian culture, intended to engage attendees with the country’s music, culinary traditions, and spirit in a novel and captivating format.

A central feature of the evening will be the premiere of a short film titled Dhivehi Dreams, followed by a theatrical adaptation of the Maldivian folktale Dhon Hiyala & Alifulhu. This performance will be complemented by gastronomic storytelling, with traditional dishes and themed delicacies served in sync with the narrative of each scene. A buffet featuring fusion cuisine and authentic Maldivian fare will be accompanied by curated menu cards explaining the origins and cultural significance of each dish.

The evening’s programme will further include a fashion show presenting traditional Maldivian attire with contemporary influences, live musical performances, cultural dances, and curated storytelling segments. Interactive content zones will be a key element, including a 360-degree immersive visual experience and a Virtual Reality room exploring the Maldives’ natural ecosystems—such as mangroves, coral reefs, and beaches.

A separate interactive room will showcase traditional Maldivian crafts, with live demonstrations of Kasabu Viyun, Kunaa, and Fangi Vinun. One of the artistic highlights of the evening will feature Raappe, a well-known Maldivian artist, creating a live artwork to the rhythm of music in an experience titled “Synergy of Art and Sound”.

The event will conclude with a performance by Skyrock, a widely celebrated Maldivian band known for blending local musical elements with international styles. Their high-energy performance is expected to provide a memorable close to the evening, appealing to a broad and diverse audience.