Maldives 🇲🇻

Rabaah, 21

Born in Male, Maldives

Came to Australia in February 2020

What is your occupation?

I’m a student at UNSW, currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering, specialising in aerospace. In the future, I want to be an engineer at the forefront of revolutionising air travel. I look forward to graduating in a few years’ time, where the job market will hopefully be picking up.

Why did you come to Australia?

I was originally set to go to America but my mum said I should apply for Australian universities first as it was closer to home. Australia also tends to be more tolerant and have a better quality of life in America.

I applied for two universities: The University of Melbourne and the University of New South Wales. I chose the latter because it is one of the best engineering schools in the country.

Originally, I planned to go to America to do my postgraduate studies but I think I’ll just do it here instead; I’m not really ready to go to America at the moment considering the current anti-Asian and Islamaphobic zeitgeist.

What do you like about Sydney?

There are a lot of things I like about Sydney. I appreciate that it’s quite relaxed, especially compared to other cities in the world I’ve visited such as New York and Bangkok. As I live on campus, everyone lives at their own pace and it doesn’t seem like people are stretched for time.

I love the gastronomic scene of Sydney as it is very multicultural and there are plenty of halal food options for Muslims.

I also love the trains. I find it so cool that they’re double-decker and that you can move the seats. I enjoy putting my headphones on and watching the scenery change as the station passes through each station.

What don’t you like about Sydney?

I’ve noticed how common road rage is in the city. To be honest, I kind of understand it because it’s very difficult to drive around the CBD, with all of the one-way streets and confusing signage.

I’m struggling to think of anything else I dislike about Sydney; there are many positives!

What would you like to say to Sydneysiders?

Keep being positive! Keep being chill!

Don’t be afraid of new cultures. Embrace and learn about it.

I’ve heard of incidents where people have protested about the construction of a new mosque.

What languages do you speak?

Dhivehi (native), English, Sinhalese, Arabic

Dhivehi is also known as Maldivian. It’s a distant cousin of Sinhalese.

I learnt Sinhalese through my mother, who previously worked in Sri Lanka and picked up the language there.

Because the Maldives is a Muslim-majority country, we all learn Arabic in school so we can read the Quran.

Teach us one word/phrase from your native language.

ހިންގާ ދާން މަހަށް

Hinga dhaan mahah

It literally means ‘Let’s go fishing!’

Fishing is a very common recreational activity in the Maldives. It is also a huge industry in the Maldives; it is the second largest after tourism.

What is one thing you want us to know about your native country?

We are a low-lying nation so we are very susceptible to the effects of climate change. A Maldivian president once held a cabinet meeting underwater to highlight this to the world.

Unlike a lot of tourist destinations, what you see on Google Images is exactly what you’ll see when you arrive in the Maldives. It’s spectacularly beautiful. I would recommend Addu City located on Addu Atoll, one of the most southern islands, Fuvahmulah and Kaashidhoo, which has old Buddhist temple ruins.

Who is the most famous person in your native country?

Mohamed Nasheed

He is the first democratically elected leader in our country’s history; he was a very important figure in Maldivian politics. Before Nahsheed, our country was ruled for 30 years by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Our country is full of political drama. I’ll just leave it at that.

What is the best dish in your native country?

Mas Huni (މަސް ހުނި)

It is the most famous breakfast in the Maldives, consisting of tuna, onion, coconut and chilli. It is usually eaten with freshly baked roshi flatbread and sweetened hot tea.

I have eaten it a couple of times at my aunt's home; she is the only relative I have here in Australia.

A common lunch is Mas Riha (މަސް ރިހަ), which is fish curry. It shouldn’t surprise you when I tell you that Mas means fish in Dhivehi.

Disclaimer: All posts are personal opinions and perspectives of the interviewees and are not a perfect representation of the whole country/experience.