Neesha Ibrahim

Interview 03 - Big Fish Maldives Private Limited

While exploring the industrial zone of Himmafushi, we came across Big Fish Maldives Private Limited, a company involved in the sourcing, processing, and distribution of yellowfin and skipjack tuna from the Maldives’ traditional handline and pole-and-line fisheries. Through our visit, we learned about the company’s role in supporting both local and international markets by supplying tuna products in various formats for food service and retail industries. Being headquartered in Himmafushi, the company benefits from direct access to the Maldives’ major air and sea export routes, making it an important contributor to the island’s economy. We also learned that the availability of fish through the factory has reduced the need for many residents to engage in fishing themselves, highlighting the influence of industrial activities on the local community and livelihoods.

@arushyzahir @naaahiilx @ayya9800-blog @raayurr @haialea1722

Interview 02 - International Beverages Company:

As part of our research, we visited IBC, the Life Water factory located within the industrial zone of Himmafushi. During the visit, we learned about the factory’s operations and its contribution to the island’s water supply. We were informed that IBC provides water free of charge through two public taps on the island, supplying approximately 10 tons of water to each tap.

The visit also gave us insight into the factory’s production process, including the number of tanks in operation and the volume of bottled water produced daily. The staff guided us through the facility, explaining how water is processed, bottled, and distributed both locally and for export. Although photography was not permitted, the experience was highly informative and offered valuable firsthand knowledge of an important industry within Himmafushi.

@arushyzahir @naaahiilx @ayya9800-blog @raayurr @haialea1722

Interview 01 - Council Meeting:

Prior to our second visit to Himmafushi, we arranged a meeting with the Island Council to gain a deeper understanding of the island and collect information that was not available through secondary sources. The discussion provided valuable insights into the island’s history, community needs, ongoing developments, and future aspirations, which greatly informed our research and design process.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Hassan Faaiz and Shadh Ahmed for coordinating the meeting and giving us the opportunity to engage directly with the council. Their support was instrumental in helping us gather important firsthand information.

@arushyzahir @naaahiilx @ayya9800-blog @raayurr @haialea1722

Sunset & Iftar by the Beach:

After our little kite session, we went to a nearby hut to break our fast while watching another beautiful sunset. Honestly, the sunsets in Himmafushi have easily become my favorite part of the trip so far. We stayed there until around 7 PM, waiting to watch the moon slowly rise from the other side. Between the peaceful view, the cool breeze, and the food, we ended the evening feeling completely full and relaxed before we start working again.

@arushyzahir @naaahiilx @raayurr @haialea1722 @ayya9800-blog

A Calm Start to the Trip:

Once we arrived in Himmafushi, we dropped off our luggage at the guest house and headed straight to the beach since we had arrived in the evening. As it was Ramadan, we were already a little tired from the journey, so instead of starting work immediately, we took some time to relax by the shore. Before the prayer calls, we spent the evening flying a kite by the beach, enjoying the cool breeze and the calm atmosphere after the long trip.

@arushyzahir @naaahiilx @raayurr @haialea1722 @ayya9800-blog

Presentation Day:

On 25th February, we presented our first submission, which focused on comparative mapping and projected implications. All five groups had pinned up their boards by 10:30 AM, preparing for the presentation and discussion session. During the review, we presented our work, received feedback on our analysis and observations, and were guided on how to further develop our ideas for the next submission.

@arushyzahir @naaahiilx @raayurr @haialea1722 @ayya9800-blog @amathh @luhaaaaaa @immaimms @miju105 @thoif10 @jafibrahim @notmalakkkk @shaimyarchcore @gaahis @archista @jauuuus @maashaa @iz-va @sadhaanwar

Final Board: COMPARATIVE MAPPING AND PROJECTED IMPLICATIONS.

The final board presents all the data we collected during our two-day trip to Himmafushi, along with the desktop study we completed beforehand. It brings together our key observations and first-hand data collected on site, giving a clear understanding of the island’s current conditions.

Building on this, we developed a 20-year projection based on our findings to evaluate whether the island’s current capacity and infrastructure can meet future needs. Based on this analysis, we also proposed recommendations to support more sustainable growth and development in Himmafushi.

Compilation of Board 01: We gathered all the information, organized our notes, photos, and sketches, and uploaded everything to our Canva file so everyone could easily access and work on it together. Since we had collected a large amount of material throughout the day, we spent hours sorting and arranging everything properly for the submission. What started as “just a little bit of work” slowly turned into an all-nighter, with everyone trying to stay awake and finish their parts before calling it a day.

@arushyzahir @naaahiilx @raayurr @haialea1722 @ayya9800-blog

End of Day 02:

We ended the day by watching one of the most beautiful sunsets. People were swinging above the water, laughing, taking photos, and just enjoying the moment. The whole place felt so lively and peaceful at the same time honestly, none of us wanted to leave. :(

@arushyzahir @naaahiilx @raayurr @haialea1722 @ayya9800-blog

Break time: After a long day, we wanted to take a break and watch the sunset, so we went to one of the most amazing huts in Himmafushi. We dipped our feet into the water, played cards while the breeze flowed through the hut, and enjoyed the calm atmosphere around us. The setting was peaceful and relaxing the card game, however, was complete chaos, with everyone making up rules as they went just to avoid losing. Also, don't question song choice it was a vibe! 😌✨

@arushyzahir @naaahiilx @raayurr @ayya9800-blog @haialea1722

Tailor Shop (Kasabu Libaas):

Kasabu Libaas was a tailor shop that immediately caught my attention. The fabrics, details, and overall atmosphere instantly connected me to Maldivian tradition and culture, giving the space a familiar and nostalgic feeling. @arushyzahir @ayya9800-blog @haialea1722 @naaahiilx @raayurr

Mango Shop:

We came across a small shop similar to a souvenir store where visitors could paint and make beaded jewelry. @arushyzahir 🦒and I found the place really attractive mostly because it instantly made us want to sit down, forget our work, and start making bracelets for the rest of the day. 👩🏽‍🎨🖌️

Jail Break: After an exhausting day of exploring the island, @arushyzahir 🦒and I decided to head to the surfing point, Jail Break, to relax a little. Located right behind the prison, the place had an amazing view and such a calm, cozy atmosphere that we nearly fell asleep there. Pictured here is the current condition of the area and of course, a very serious moment of Arushy attempting to surf on land before even touching the water.🏄🏼‍♀️

@arushyzahir @naaahiilx @ayya9800-blog @raayurr @haialea1722