Nova Maldives Welcomes Zoona Naseem for Women’s Dive Day 2026

29 June, 2026

In the heart of the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll, something extraordinary is happening. Nova Maldives, a soulful island retreat known for its connection to the ocean and community, is joining forces with Zoona Naseem—the first Maldivian female PADI Course Director—for an inspiring celebration of women in diving. This partnership represents more than just a special event; it’s a powerful statement about inclusion, empowerment, and the boundless opportunities that the ocean offers to everyone.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a curious beginner, or simply someone who feels drawn to the magic of the sea, this is a story that deserves to be told. Let’s dive in.

Who Is Zoona Naseem?

Zoona Naseem is nothing short of a trailblazer. As the first Maldivian woman to qualify as a PADI Course Director, she has shattered glass ceilings in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her journey is one of determination, passion, and an unwavering love for the ocean.

Owner of Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Centre, Zoona has dedicated her career to empowering women in tourism and diving, inspiring young people—especially young women—to explore the underwater world. Her story resonates far beyond the Maldives, serving as a beacon of possibility for women everywhere who dream of carving their own path in marine exploration.

“Growing up in the Maldives, the ocean was always there, but a seat at the table was not,” Zoona reflects. “I hope that every woman who enters the water this July leaves knowing that it was always hers to claim”.

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Nova Maldives: A Soulful Island Sanctuary

Nova Maldives is more than just a luxury resort—it’s a place where connection, community, and the rhythm of the sea come together. Located in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the region, Nova offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Maldives.

Just a 25-minute scenic seaplane ride from Malé, Nova welcomes you into a world where island living feels effortless and close to the soul. Each villa is designed with warmth and ease in mind, opening into light-filled spaces and soft textures that invite you to slow down, settle in, and feel completely at home by the sea.

From Beach Villas just steps from the shoreline to Water Villas with Private Pools stretching over the lagoon, every stay at Nova is shaped by comfort and a deep connection to the ocean. The resort’s “Community Concept” all-inclusive model fosters a sense of belonging, making it a favourite among solo travellers, couples, and families alike.

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Women’s Dive Day 2026: A Three-Day Celebration

From 17 to 19 July 2026, Nova Maldives will host a special Women’s Dive Day celebration led by Zoona Naseem, alongside Nova’s resident marine biologist, Jenna Lehocki. This three-day programme brings together adventure, connection, and inspiration for women who share a love for the ocean.

What to Expect

Guided Dives and Discover Scuba Experiences
Whether you’re taking your first breaths underwater or you’re already at home beneath the surface, the programme offers guided dives and open water exploration led by Zoona herself. Beginners can enjoy complimentary “bubblemaker” trial dives in Nova’s shallow lagoon, while experienced divers can explore the dramatic underwater topography of South Ari Atoll.

Fireside Discussions with Marine Experts
One of the highlights of the weekend is an intimate fireside discussion joined by both Zoona and Jenna Lehocki. Here, tales of the reef—memorable dives, marine encounters, and a shared wonder for the ocean—flow freely. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from two women who have dedicated their lives to understanding and protecting the sea.

Marine Conservation Experiences
Beyond the dives, guests can participate in coral planting experiences and gain deeper insight into Nova’s ongoing marine conservation initiatives. The resort partners with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme and holds Responsible Manta Operator accreditation, ensuring that every encounter with marine life is approached with care and respect.

Community Connection
True to Nova’s belief that the ocean belongs to everyone, the weekend will bring together resort guests and participants from the neighbouring Dhangethi community for a shared journey into the water.

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The Magic of South Ari Atoll

Nova’s island home sits within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, one of the Maldives’ most celebrated marine environments. With 35 dive sites on its doorstep and year-round opportunities to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs, every dive offers the possibility of a memorable encounter.

South Ari Atoll is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks throughout the year. These gentle giants, which can grow up to 12 metres long and weigh around 20 tonnes, are a quiet, year-round presence in the waters beyond Nova’s shore.

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More Than Just Diving: The Nova Experience

While the Women’s Dive Day is a highlight, Nova Maldives offers so much more. Guests can unwind in the island’s laid-back surroundings, enjoy nourishing dining experiences, and embrace moments of reflection inspired by the rhythm of the sea.

Dining at Nova

From the comforting plates at Soul Kitchen to flame-grilled favourites at Flames and the theatre of teppanyaki at Mizu, every meal at Nova is a journey shaped by flavour and connection. Wink keeps things light and social, while Solis offers relaxed beachfront drinks.

Wellness and Relaxation

At EsKape Spa, guests can choose from massages, holistic therapies, and facials that use natural products and gentle techniques. Daily complimentary sunrise yoga helps you find inner balance and start each day with calm and clarity.

Cultural Experiences

At Holhuashi, Nova’s cultural space, guests can settle into a welcoming environment where conversations flow easily and stories of island life are shared. Learn a few Dhivehi words, hear the gentle rhythm of island drums, and enjoy the quiet warmth of connection.

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Why This Matters: Closing the Gender Gap in Diving

Despite making up nearly 40% of divers worldwide, women still account for just 20% of PADI Professionals. A 2025 peer-reviewed study attributes this gap in part to the male-centric portrayal of the sport, with constraints that foster stigma and self-doubt, creating barriers for women at every level.

Initiatives like Nova’s Women’s Dive Day, led by inspiring figures like Zoona Naseem, are crucial in changing this narrative. By creating visible role models and welcoming spaces, they send a powerful message: the ocean belongs to everyone.

As Abdulla Aboobakur, General Manager of Nova Maldives, beautifully puts it: “There is something about the ocean that has always belonged to women. Its depth, its quiet power, its ability to hold everything at once. Women’s Dive Day is a celebration of every woman who has ever felt called to the water, and our commitment to making sure every woman who wants to experience that, whether for the first time or the hundredth, has every opportunity to do so”.

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Plan Your Visit

Women’s Dive Day takes place from 17 to 19 July 2026 at Nova Maldives. For more information or to reserve your place, contact the resort at [email protected] or call +960 66 88 777.

Nova offers exclusive benefits for direct bookings, including best price guarantees, dining credits, and discounts on spa and water sports experiences. The resort has been recognised as a 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award winner, placing it among the top ten percent of hotels worldwide.

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Final Thoughts

The partnership between Nova Maldives and Zoona Naseem is more than a special event—it’s a celebration of possibility. It’s a reminder that the ocean, with all its depth and mystery, is a place where everyone can find their place, their voice, and their community.

Whether you’re diving into the turquoise waters of South Ari Atoll for the first time or you’re a seasoned explorer, this July offers something truly special: the chance to be part of a movement that’s changing the face of diving, one woman at a time.

The ocean is calling. Will you answer?

👉 Ready to taste the true Maldives? Check live availability and dining packages at Nova Maldives.

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