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My PADI Helps Me…MAKE THE MALDIVES A DIVE EDUCATION DESTINATION

Adam Ashraf is the founder of PADI Five Star Dive Center, Dive Desk in Malé, and after a decade of operations, he also founded PADI Five Star Career Development Center, Maldivian Academy of Diving in Himmafushi. Ashraf earned the Course Director rating in June 2022 and went on to earn PADI Platinum Course Director status for both 2022 and 2023. Dive Desk was also awarded the PADI EMEA Platinum Professional Development Excellence Award for 2023.

Learn how Adam Ashraf Helped Make the Maldives a Dive Education Destination as a PADI Pro and Business Owner!

Q: What business challenge did you face?

A. Dive education in the Maldives was lacking for locals.

At the very beginning of my professional career, there were very few places to go, learn and gain experience in dive education in the Maldives. I have always been passionate about developing the capacity of locals for the Maldivian dive industry but was acutely aware of the challenge locals face due to the high costs involved.

Q: What was your concern in switching to PADI?

A: PADI has always been my dive training organization of choice.

My choice of dive training organization has always been PADI. As the dominant dive training organization in the Maldives, I believe it is beneficial for dive professionals to choose PADI to go pro with, as the scope of employment opportunities, structure and support that PADI provides is unparalleled and will serve PADI Pros best, wherever in the world they choose to work.

Q: How did PADI help you solve your business challenge?

A: PADI has been hard at work developing the Maldivian dive industry throughout the years.

PADI staff play a crucial role in maintaining a close working relationship with dive operators, in monitoring and visiting dive shops, in conducting training programs, and in developing the dive industry in the Maldives. Their close attention to the market has resulted in the creation of numerous local dive professionals, making dive education accessible to anyone interested. PADI’s recognition of the work we do has also encouraged us, including the Outstanding Contributions in Professional Diver Training Award in 2022 and Outstanding Contribution to People and Humanity Award in 2023.

Q: How is it working now?

A: I’m now the proud owner of a PADI Five Star Career Development Center in the Maldives.

After 10 years of operating a dive center in Malé, I am now the proud owner of the only PADI Five Star Career Development Center in the Maldives, giving me the opportunity to train dive professionals at a larger facility and provide affordable accommodation away from, but within close proximity to, the capital city of Maldives.

Q: What’s your advice to others facing a similar challenge?

A: Keep working towards your goal.

Challenges are inevitable on the path to success. Have a clear goal in mind and work relentlessly towards it. Remember to wake up, stand up, and show up every day, as perseverance and determination are key to overcoming obstacles.

Are you ready to learn more about all of the benefits of PADI membership? Contact your PADI Regional Office and get started on a custom solution to drive growth in your business.