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Arts & Crafts Studio
Island Stories Made by Hand
At Dhawa Ihuru, creativity comes with an island story. Our Arts & Crafts Studio brings together Maldivian culture, imagination and a more thoughtful approach to materials, transforming the overlooked and discarded into something worth discovering.
At the heart of the studio is Abdulla Shakeeb, our resident Maldivian artist from Veymandoo in Thaa Atoll. Raised in a family of craftsmen, Abdulla grew up surrounded by woodworking and learned the foundations of his craft through traditional carpentry and decorative work. Over the years, he has developed a style of his own – colourful, playful and unmistakably inspired by the Maldives.
Eco Craftsmanship - From Island Materials to Island Art
For Abdulla, inspiration often begins with what others might overlook. Driftwood and reclaimed timber collected from nearby shores, along with repurposed Styrofoam and other reusable materials, find a new purpose in his hands. Traditional dhonis take shape from pieces of wood. Marine creatures emerge in unexpected colours.
Everyday materials become playful sculptures inspired by the ocean, island life and Maldivian culture. Each creation carries its own character, while showing how creativity can extend the life of materials that might otherwise be discarded.
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Meet the Artist, Create Your Own Story
Abdulla's work can be discovered throughout Dhawa Ihuru and its sister resort Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, adding touches of colour, personality and Maldivian craftsmanship across both islands.
Visit our Arts & Crafts Studio at Dhawa Ihuru, meet artist Abdulla and experience the creative process first-hand.
Through hands-on arts and crafts activities, discover how reclaimed materials can be reimagined into something personal to take away – not simply a souvenir, but your own piece of an island story.
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