Dubai, UAE – Nova Maldives is once again partnering with PADI, the world’s leading scuba diving training organization, to host Project AWARE Week from September 16 to 20, 2026. Throughout the week, the resort’s marine biology team will offer guests of all experience levels—from first-time snorkelers to seasoned divers—the opportunity to combine marine exploration with hands-on conservation efforts.

The initiative is particularly significant this year as it coincides with PADI’s 60th anniversary, while Nova Maldives celebrates its fourth year in South Ari Atoll. Now in its eighth global edition, PADI AWARE Week has become one of the diving community’s leading citizen-science initiatives, contributing to the rescue of more than 41,000 entangled marine animals to date.

Four years into its own conservation journey, Nova continues to build a growing community of ocean advocates, with guests leaving AWARE Week inspired to return for future editions and continue their commitment to marine protection.

A Week Dedicated to the Ocean

Throughout the week, Nova Maldives guests can take part in a program designed to engage ocean enthusiasts with a range of interests, including:

• Immersive Ocean Experiences and Storytelling: Celebrating the wonders of the underwater world through inspiration from Blue Planet and acclaimed documentaries highlighting the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems.
• Dive Against Debris: Guests can join dedicated dives to remove plastic waste and other marine debris from the lagoon, while recording valuable data for the global PADI AWARE database.
• Whale Shark Snorkeling: Guided in-water experiences give guests the opportunity to swim alongside the gentle giants of South Ari Atoll rather than simply observing them from a boat.
• Manta Ray and Sea Turtle Excursions: Guided boat trips take guests to feeding and nesting areas where manta rays and sea turtles can be observed in their natural environment throughout the year.
• Coral Restoration Workshops: Guests can learn about coral propagation techniques and participate in the resort’s ongoing efforts to restore and rehabilitate surrounding reefs.

Commenting on the initiative, Abdulla Abubaker, General Manager of Nova Maldives, said that meaningful environmental impact is often achieved through consistency and long-term commitment.

“Four years into Nova’s journey, we have come to understand that the health of our reefs reflects the impact we make. Guests who return are not simply coming back for the views; they return because Nova represents values they genuinely believe in—from caring for the ocean and fostering a sense of community to embracing a more conscious way of exploring the destinations we visit,” he said.

He added that Nova aims to inspire both new and returning guests to view the resort as more than just a destination, describing it as “an invitation to something more meaningful.”

Conservation Beyond AWARE Week

Nova Maldives’ commitment to marine conservation extends well beyond the dedicated AWARE Week. The resort operates an active coral nursery featuring a growing collection of hand-planted coral structures. Each metal structure supports individually attached coral fragments, which are later transplanted onto the surrounding reefs, with guests regularly invited to participate in the restoration process.

Nova’s marine biology team closely monitors the developing coral colonies throughout their rehabilitation, helping them grow, remain healthy and thrive.

The resort also maintains long-term partnerships with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) and Manta Trust, while holding recognition as a responsible manta ray tourism operator. Together, these initiatives underline Nova Maldives’ year-round commitment to marine conservation, with Project AWARE Week representing the latest chapter in its ongoing efforts to protect and restore the ocean environment.