SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS to Open Six Distinct Resorts in the Maldives Over Six Years

A new lifestyle hospitality brand blends cultural depth, design integrity, and intuitive service launching first in 2026

SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS introduces a new philosophy of island hospitality. Co-founder and CEO Laith Pharaon, a seasoned hotelier and investor, launched the company in 2024 with a bold, lifestyle-led vision. Over the next six years, the brand will unveil six individually designed private island resorts each a distinct destination shaped by a shared ethos: presence, authenticity, and meaningful connection. The journey begins in 2026 with RAH GILI MALDIVES and DON MAAGA MALDIVES, both located in the South Malé Atoll, just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.

Rather than follow the tropes of luxury hospitality, SIX & SIX recentres the guest experience around presence — removing noise to make space for something deeper. Guests are given the freedom to design their own journey, supported by wellness specialists, creative thinkers, and cultural experiences tailored to how they wish to feel — not just what they wish to do.

“SIX & SIX is about giving guests the most meaningful luxuries: time, space, and the freedom to just be,” says Laith Pharaon. “We’re not interested in replicating what already exists. This is about reimagining what luxury in the Maldives can feel like — intuitive, intentional, and personal.”

A Culture Rooted in the People of the Islands

At the heart of the brand’s culture is a philosophy drawn from the Maldives itself known as Rayyithun, meaning People of the Islands in Dhivehi. This is more than a concept. It is a living rhythm that shapes how each island is built, led, and experienced. From the fishermen who bring the day’s catch, to the builders who carve each space by hand, to the drummers who carry the island’s pulse — the Rayyithun are the quiet architects of island life.

Their presence flows through every SIX & SIX resort in its design language, cultural programme, and approach to care. This is most clearly embodied in the Edhurun programme, a reimagining of the traditional butler. Edhurun, meaning mentor, reflects a form of service that is intuitive, respectful, and grounded in care. But more than that, the Edhurun are storytellers — guardians of island knowledge who bring depth and meaning to the guest journey through quiet narrative, ritual, and presence.

Introducing the First Two Islands

RAH GILI MALDIVES — opening February 2026 — is located beside a protected dolphin sanctuary. With 74 villas, including 37 overwater, the resort blends bold design with whimsical details and vibrant social spaces. It is the first island to fully express the Rayyithun philosophy — a story-led destination where stillness, culture, and connection converge.

DON MAAGA MALDIVES, launching in late 2026, is the brand’s ultra-luxury flagship. Featuring the signature TERRA∞ beach villas and AETHR∞ overwater villas — some exceeding 1,500 sqm — it offers unapologetic scale paired with architectural restraint. Select villas feature both saltwater and freshwater pools, alongside open courtyards, semi-precious inlays, and serene private zones crafted for deep restoration. The island also introduces HIRIGAA, an invitation-only private island for full-island takeovers.

“Each island stands on its own — with its own energy, its own soul,” says Marc Gussing, SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS Director of Operations. “What unites them is not uniformity, but intention. Our role is to protect that individuality while shaping a guest experience that feels grounded, generous, and quietly unforgettable.”

SIX & SIX PRIVATE RESIDENCES

SIX & SIX PRIVATE RESIDENCES are a natural extension of the brand’s philosophy — offering a way to return not just for a season, but for a lifetime. Available across every island, beginning with RAH GILI and DON MAAGA, these residences invite individuals and families to become part of the island’s rhythm — not as guests, but as stewards of place. With access to all resort experiences, services, and cultural programming, each residence is shaped for those who seek continuity, presence, and a deeper sense of belonging within the SIX & SIX constellation.

Designed for Conscious Living

Every SIX & SIX resort is conceived with purpose — from design and storytelling to sustainability and social impact. The brand is pursuing EarthCheck certification for each island, integrating solar power, zero single-use plastics, desalination with in-house bottling, and regenerative marine conservation. A strong focus is placed on community partnerships, local materials, and guest education — all embedded into the operating rhythm from day one.

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RAS AL KHAIMAH SETS A NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORD WITH A SPECTACULAR NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION

The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah rang in 2026 with a spectacular 15-minute drones and fireworks display that set a new Guinness World Records title for the ‘Largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotors/drones’.

The highlight of the celebration was an awe-inspiring drone performance that transformed the night sky into a living canvas. At the heart of this display was the record-breaking Phoenix, a mythical symbol of renewal, optimism, and rebirth, echoing Ras Al Khaimah’s own transformation and ambition to continuously reimagine its future. This display was brought to life by 2,300 drones, including 1,000 state-of-the-art pyro drones that ignited the Phoenix wings in a dramatic blaze of light as it soared above Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront. The spectacle continued with another striking drone formation named ‘The Welcome’ – a human form rising from the sea with open arms, embodying the emirate’s spirit of warmth, openness, and hospitality.

Following the drone show, a precisely timed fireworks countdown to midnight ignited a six-kilometre-long fireworks display stretching from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. Hundreds of fireworks erupted in perfectly choreographed waves, cascading along the coastline in a dazzling symphony of color, sound, and light.

Thousands of spectators across Ras Al Khaimah’s beachfront resorts and at the New Year’s Eve Festival were treated to an array of live stage performances and vibrant festivities, making it a truly memorable night for everyone in attendance. Earlier in the evening, families and residents of the emirate also enjoyed an early fireworks display at Corniche Al Qawasim.

Commenting on the achievement, Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), said: “New Year’s Eve in Ras Al Khaimah is about bringing people together. With this year’s show, we wanted to create a celebration that could be shared by our entire community and everyone visiting Ras Al Khaimah at this special time. While achieving a new Guinness World Records title is great, what truly matters are the memories created for those who celebrated with us. 2025 was a year of significant progress for Ras Al Khaimah, and tonight was about celebrating that and welcoming the new year with optimism and excitement for what is to come.”

With this latest Guinness World Records achievement, Ras Al Khaimah adds to its impressive legacy of record-breaking displays, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for innovative and emotionally resonant New Year’s Eve celebrations.

#RASALKHAIMAH #GUINNESSWORLDRECORD #NEWYEARSEVECELEBRATION

Silver Lake Motors’ EXEED and EXEED EXLANTIX Secure Two Major Wins at Qatar Car of the Year 2025

Silver Lake Motors - a subsidiary of Al Mana Holding, announced a major achievement for EXEED at the Qatar Car of the Year (QCOTY) 2025 awards ceremony, held at Raffles Doha and organised by Maqina Middle East.

At the prestigious ceremony, EXEED was recognised with two significant awards that highlight its leadership in premium electrified mobility. The EXEED RX PHEV was named Best Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), while the EXLANTIX ET REEV received the title of Best Premium Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV), underscoring the brand’s technological depth and future-ready product strategy.

Recognised as one of the most respected automotive accolades in the country, Qatar Car of the Year honours excellence, innovation, safety, and performance across the automotive industry. The awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for the best vehicles available in the Qatari market, celebrating models that respond to the evolving mobility needs and lifestyle expectations of drivers in Qatar.

The recognition of the EXEED RX PHEV reflects its success in combining electrified efficiency with refined performance, premium comfort, and everyday practicality—qualities that resonate strongly with Qatari customers seeking sustainable mobility without compromise. Meanwhile, the EXLANTIX ET REEV stood out for its advanced range-extended electric technology, long-distance capability, and high-end craftsmanship, redefining expectations within the premium electric vehicle segment.

Moncef Ahabchane, Chief Operating Officer, Silver Lake Motors, said, “Receiving two major awards at the Qatar Car of the Year 2025, is a proud moment for Silver Lake Motors and Al Mana Holding, and a strong endorsement of the EXEED brand in Qatar. These honours reflect the sophistication of the Qatari market, where customers increasingly value innovation, intelligent technology, and premium quality. The recognition of both the EXEED RX PHEV and the EXLANTIX ET REEV confirms that our approach—introducing advanced, electrified vehicles tailored to local driving needs and lifestyle expectations—is the right one. As Qatar continues its journey towards sustainable and smart mobility, we remain committed to offering vehicles that combine performance, comfort, and forward-thinking technology.”

Features

The EXLANTIX ET SUV will be offered in both pure electric (BEV) and range-extended electric (REEV) versions. The REEV model delivers a remarkable combined driving range of over 1,300 km, making it particularly suitable for long trips across the GCC. Fast-charging capability allows the battery to charge from 20% to 80% in under 20 minutes. High-output all-wheel-drive variants deliver strong performance with advanced torque distribution for stability on both highways and off-road environments. The ET also supports multiple drive modes—including sand/off-road settings—making it ready for mixed driving needs.

Inside, the ET is designed to offer a luxury and health-focused cabin, featuring eco-friendly materials, a 5A-rated healthy cabin environment, and advanced air purification systems capable of filtering ultrafine particles. The seats are finished in premium materials and offer ventilation, heating, multi-position adjustment, and massage functions. Noise-reduction engineering, including acoustic glass and triple door seals, ensures that the cabin remains quiet even at speed—enhancing comfort for long-distance travel or daily commutes. These comfort-focused features have been tailored to meet the expectations of Middle Eastern customers, who face high temperatures and dusty driving conditions.

The EXEED RX PHEV ’s passive safety credentials were particularly notable. A robust body shell, high roof-crush resistance (up to 10 tons), and strategic use of hot-stamped steel deliver superior protection. Its performance in the 50% offset deformable barrier test showcased minimal cabin intrusion and excellent lower-body protection for passengers.

Child protection also scored high thanks to ISOFIX anchors, i-Size-compatible seating, and features rarely found in its class—such as child presence detection and front-passenger airbag deactivation for rear-facing child seats. In collision simulations involving 6- and 10-year-old dummies, the EXEED RX PHEV achieved full marks, reaffirming its suitability for family use.

Equally impressive was the EXEED RX PHEV ’s active safety suite, which includes 18 advanced driver assistance features. These systems earned the vehicle an 81% rating for vulnerable road user protection, reflecting its strong performance in pedestrian and cyclist avoidance scenarios. Of particular note was its “dooring” prevention system, which actively detects approaching cyclists before occupants open doors. In motorcycle AEB testing, the system scored flawlessly, ensuring class-leading protection in dynamic urban environments.

In the Safety Assist category, the EXEED RX PHEV scored 80%, aided by high-performing lane-keeping support, intelligent speed limit recognition, and a fatigue monitoring system that uses eye-tracking to identify drowsy or distracted drivers. This focus on proactive safety highlights EXEED’s commitment to smarter, safer driving.

Customers can explore the EXEED lineup by visiting the flagship showrooms in West Walk, a symbol of sophistication and elegance. For more information or to arrange your test drive, stop by the EXEED showroom or call 800 1115.

#SilverLakeMotors #CaroftheYear2025