MU Maniku, Architect of Maldivian Tourism, Dies in Singapore

One of the pioneers of Maldivian tourism — the sector that transformed the nation’s economy — and a shareholder of Universal Enterprises, one of the country’s largest tourism companies, Koligey Mohamed Umar Manik (MU Maniku), passed away this morning at the age of 78.

Universal Enterprises announced that its chairman, MU Maniku, who also served the state for more than 19 years, died at 6:30 a.m. local time at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, where he had been receiving treatment. His last rites will be held at Prasara Aman Mosque in Singapore following today’s Asr prayers.

In its statement, Universal described MU Maniku as a dedicated and courageous leader in promoting Maldivian tourism, respected by many, and a mentor to countless individuals.

MU Maniku is regarded as a national hero, and the government has recognised his significant contributions. In 2011, he was conferred the third highest state honor, Order of the Dignified Rule of Muleege Dynasty. He also received the National Award of Recognition in 1982, the National Award of Honour in 2002, and the Maldives Independence Silver Jubilee Award in 1990. He was further honoured as a distinguished national figure for his long and dedicated service to the state.

MU Maniku had been active in tourism since its earliest days. In 1971, he worked alongside industry pioneers Champa Hussain Afeef and “Masodi” Ahmed Naseem, together with Italian travel agent George Corbin, who first introduced tourists to the Maldives.

He was closely involved in organizing the first tourist group Corbin brought to the country in 1972 and later played a central role in developing the first resort, Kurumba Village, that same year. When the resort opened, MU Maniku managed its food and beverage operations, sourcing produce from Malé’s market and even cooking for guests. At the time, he was studying agriculture in East Pakistan while employed at the Ministry of Agriculture. He would complete his office work by early afternoon before heading to the resort.

During this period, he also founded The Miuman Tourist Agency – one of the first travel agencies of the country - to attract visitors to the Maldives. He later engaged with international airlines to secure direct flights from Europe, and in 1982 began organizing charter flights from Germany. He represented the country at the ITB Fair in Germany and promoted Maldivian tourism in East Asia, including Japan.

He later turned his full attention to resort management. During President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration, Kurumba Village was reclaimed by the government and reopened for bidding. MU Maniku secured the bid and transformed the property into Kurumba Maldives, the nation’s first five-star resort. This milestone not only marked a new era in Maldivian tourism but also set the benchmark for the country’s luxury hospitality industry.

Today, Universal Enterprises operates eight resorts, including Kurumba, Baros, Milaidhoo, Kandolhu, Velassaru, Dhigali, and Kuramathi.

MU Maniku also founded the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), one of the most influential industry bodies in the country. Since its establishment in 1992, he had served as chairman. MATI was created to strengthen cooperation among tourism professionals, define the industry’s vision and objectives, and set standards for future development.

Alongside his work in tourism, MU Maniku had a distinguished public service career. He began in 1972 as an agriculture officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, where he served until 1990, including as deputy minister during President Maumoon’s early administration. He later chaired and served on the boards of several state-owned enterprises.

Among his most notable roles was chairman of the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) from 2013 until 2024. His tenure oversaw major expansion projects at Velana International Airport, including new runways, passenger terminals, and seaplane facilities. He also served as chairman of Island Aviation and was a board member of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).

MU Maniku made important contributions to the social sector as well. Following the 2004 tsunami, he helped provide clean drinking water to affected islands, donated a dialysis machine to IGMH, and arranged training for staff. Through the Universal Foundation, many Maldivian doctors were educated and supported in their careers.

He was the eldest surviving member of the Kolige family, which has played a prominent role in the nation’s development and prosperity. His brother, Ali Umar Manik, who led the Maldives Shipping Line and managed several national projects, passed away in 2015. His sister, Fathimath Nasira (Kolige Nasira), passed away in 2021, while his younger brother, Dr. Ibrahim Umar Manik, a pioneering physician and tourism entrepreneur, died in 2020.

Several of his nephews and nieces have also made notable contributions to the nation, including the late Mohamed Mahir Didi, Ahmed Mahir Didi, and Sanjay Manik, all of whom played key roles in the tourism industry, as well as Aishath Nooruddin, former Deputy CEO of the Bank of Maldives, and Ismail Nooruddin, Managing Director of Euro Marketing.

His father, Koligey Umar Manik, was a respected businessman of his time.