Ari

For administrative purposes, Ari Atoll’s 80 islands and islets are divided into North Ari Atoll and South Ari Atoll. The capital of North Ari Atoll is Rasdhoo and South Ari Atoll is Mahibadhoo (also the most populated island in Ari Atoll).

The principal occupation of Ari Atoll islanders used to be catching turtles, weaving sails, coral collecting and coral carving, they are also good fishermen and are traditionally renowned for their shark catching to produce oil for the timbers of dhoanis. Their shark catching traditions are still strong and often at odds with divers who wish to keep the sharks in the water.

Villa International Airport (VAM) is situated on Maamigili island of South Ari Atoll. The airport currently operates scheduled domestic flights to six different atolls of the Maldives including Kaafu Atoll, Seenu Atoll, Gnaviyani Atoll, Baa Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll and North Ari Atoll.