Kandima Maldives Welcomes UAE Football Star Hadiya Hakeem for Six Days of Thrilling Island Sports and Family Adventures This October

Football enthusiasts and holidaymakers visiting the Maldives this October can look forward to an exciting combination of sporting activities and tropical island experiences as Kandima Maldives prepares to host UAE-based professional freestyle footballer Hadiya Hakeem from 23 to 28 October 2026. The six-day residency forms part of the resort’s month-long Oktober Adventures programme, offering families, aspiring footballers and female sports enthusiasts an opportunity to develop their skills through interactive coaching sessions, friendly competitions and beachside activities.

Set across a three-kilometre-long island, the programme brings together football training and recreational experiences in a relaxed holiday setting. Guests travelling from the Gulf region can participate in activities designed for different ages and skill levels, making the residency suitable for both experienced players and those discovering the sport for the first time.

Hadiya Hakeem Brings International Football Experience to the Maldives

Having developed her passion for football while growing up in Qatar, Hadiya Hakeem has established herself as a recognised figure in freestyle football. Her creative ball techniques, athletic ability and engaging performances have helped her build an international audience.

Her professional journey includes appearances connected with major football occasions, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as well as collaborations with brands and participation in sporting events throughout the Middle East.

During her stay at Kandima Maldives, Hakeem will share her experience through practical coaching, demonstrations and interactive football challenges. The sessions aim to encourage confidence, improve coordination and introduce participants to new ways of enjoying the game.

Six Days of Football Training, Beach Games and Family Competitions

The football residency begins on 23 October with an opening programme featuring participant registration, family warm-up activities and introductory games. Guests will also have opportunities to demonstrate their abilities through skills assessments and challenges alongside Hakeem.

On 24 October, the programme shifts towards essential football techniques. Participants will practise dribbling, passing, shooting and controlling the ball, while three-a-side matches and parent-child activities will encourage teamwork and friendly competition.

The island’s natural surroundings become part of the experience on 26 October, when activities move to the beach. The schedule includes football games on the sand, skill-based challenges and a water-recovery session at Smoked Beach.

Training intensifies on 27 October with a focus on speed, agility and coordination. Guests can participate in relay races, group matches and family penalty competitions, combining physical activity with opportunities for shared entertainment.

The programme concludes on 28 October with a grand finale featuring family fitness sessions, an all-star football match and a Parents versus Kids competition. A final tournament, award presentations and farewell celebrations will mark the end of the six-day residency.

Women’s Football Day Creates a Dedicated Space for Female Players

One of the central attractions of the residency is Women’s Football Day, scheduled for 25 October. The dedicated women-only programme will be led by Hakeem and is designed to welcome participants with varying levels of football experience.

Activities will include ball-control exercises, passing practice, shooting drills and interactive skill challenges. The session will conclude with a friendly match, allowing participants to apply what they have learnt in a supportive environment.

The initiative provides female guests with an opportunity to engage in football during their holiday, whether they play regularly or are returning to the sport after a long break. By combining coaching with enjoyable group activities, the event places participation, confidence and enjoyment at the centre of the experience.

Motorsport and Tennis Add More Sporting Experiences Throughout October

Beyond the football residency, Kandima Maldives is presenting a wider selection of sporting experiences through its Oktober Adventures programme.

Racing driver Sebastian Melrose will feature at Fast Track, the resort’s oceanfront electric go-kart circuit, from 19 to 26 October. The residency introduces a motorsport element to the island’s entertainment calendar, giving guests another opportunity to enjoy an activity beyond traditional beach recreation.

Tennis enthusiasts can also take advantage of a coaching programme delivered by professional trainers from BM Tennis Lifestyle between 11 and 31 October.

The tennis residency includes individual coaching, family training sessions and organised tournaments, allowing guests to improve their techniques or enjoy friendly matches during their stay.

Together, the football, motorsport and tennis programmes broaden the resort’s October activity calendar, offering several ways for visitors to combine a tropical holiday with active recreation.

Water Sports, Evening Entertainment and Halloween Celebrations Complete the Programme

Kandima Maldives will also offer a range of marine activities for visitors seeking experiences beyond the sporting residencies.

Through the resort’s Aquaholics watersports team, guests can explore the surrounding waters through jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and parasailing. Guided diving and snorkelling experiences provide additional opportunities to discover the Maldives’ underwater environment.

Evening entertainment will introduce a different atmosphere, with themed celebrations including the White Party and Latin Night. These events combine music and social activities with the resort’s island setting.

The October programme will conclude with Halloween Haunted Adventures on 30 and 31 October. Younger guests can take part in costume-making workshops and a trick-or-treat treasure hunt, while a Halloween party will bring the month’s celebrations to a close.

With its combination of professional sporting residencies, family competitions, watersports and seasonal entertainment, Kandima Maldives is positioning Oktober Adventures as a varied holiday experience for visitors seeking more than conventional beach relaxation.

The six-day football residency led by Hadiya Hakeem will be a key attraction, bringing together football enthusiasts, families and female players in an island setting where sport and leisure form part of the same holiday experience.