Ooredoo Maldives has brought one of the nation’s most chilling folktales to life this month, unveiling Rannamaari as the September feature of its groundbreaking AI-powered Ooredoo Calendar 2025.
For centuries, Maldivians told the tale of Rannamaari, a sea demon believed to rise from the ocean each month like a ship illuminated with glowing lamps. In an effort to appease the monster, islanders sacrificed a young maiden—until the cycle was broken by Abul Barakat-ul-Barbari, a scholar from the Maghreb. Armed only with the verses of the Holy Qur’an, he confronted Rannamaari in the temple, reciting scripture through the night until the demon vanished into the sea, never to return.
Launched earlier this year, the Ooredoo Calendar 2025 reimagines 12 iconic characters from Maldivian folklore through artificial intelligence. Each month introduces a new figure, which customers can interact with directly via Ooredoo’s AI-powered chatbot. The series features mythical beings such as Santhi Mariyambu and legendary figures like Rannamaari, transforming oral traditions into engaging digital experiences for a new generation.
Ooredoo Maldives said the initiative reflects its commitment to building a “Digital Maldives,” using technology not only to innovate but also to preserve cultural heritage. By blending folklore with AI-driven storytelling, the company aims to strengthen intergenerational connections and encourage cultural curiosity.
“With the September release, customers can rediscover the story of Rannamaari and even ‘chat’ with the legend, making Maldivian storytelling more accessible and interactive than ever before,” Ooredoo noted in its announcement.
Ooredoo Maldives, listed on the Maldives Stock Exchange, reported revenues of MVR 1.79 billion and a Profit after Tax of MVR 465 million as of December 31, 2021. The company continues to expand its portfolio of consumer, enterprise, and broadband services, underpinned by its broader vision of enriching lives through digital transformation.
For more information on the Ooredoo AI Folktales Calendar, visit: ore.do/aifolktales.
