Ukulhas (Alif Alif Atoll) - People

People

People of this unique island beautifies with many aspects. They are unified by a strong tie between each other, especially when they are hurry to fill up a commitment. The people are so friendly, kindred, intelligent, as well as devout. They are tolerant and respectful for each other and of visitor to the island. When you meet up someone in Ukulhas, it is a customary to shake hands. Visitors are always highly welcome by the Ukulhas community. When visiting someone in Ukulhas it’s a trend of escorting him or her to the home or coffee shop to serve a coffee or a local meal. When they receive a guest, they learn the hospitality of the local people. Almost each and everyone know more than one or two types of work. For example; a fisherman knows not only fishing, beside of it working in the environment, he knows carpentry or masonry works. Most of the people do involve with different games. Foot ball, Volley ball, tennis, badminton and swimming are the common sport items in the island. Colourful entertaining during the night time also marked by a traditional Music called ‘Boduberu’ (cultural music; drumming, singing and dancing). The night life in Ukulhas Island could be cherished by the so called gathering with the cultural memories of traditional Music. The life of the island society is casual, peaceful and spiritual. Almost all are Sunni Muslims; local language is Dhivehi, however most people know English language very much. The people of the island are family oriented. As the Maldives locates in the middle of Indian Ocean, the route has been led to be a meeting place for African, Arab, Malay and Indonesian mariners. Due to this long time of interchange leads to form diverse culture. Ukulhas has got people from different ethnic groups. We have descendents of Tamil, Sinhalese, and Indians. The people get along in harmony and are proud of their public. The people of the Ukulhas having physical features rarely seen anywhere else in Maldives joyfully continue their lives in “white smiles”, honey-colored eyes and brownish hair.