MALE — The Maldives is seeking deeper technical and operational support from the United Arab Emirates to expand its Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC), as the Indian Ocean archipelago moves to fortify its digital infrastructure against rising cyber threats.
The request was formalized during high-level bilateral talks in Male between Maldives Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed and Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, who led a visiting delegation of Gulf defense and security officials.
The meetings, held at the police headquarters in the Iskandhar Building, focused on expanding ongoing UAE-backed projects aimed at upgrading the island nation’s investigative capacity, threat-monitoring infrastructure, and law enforcement training protocols.
“The close ties between the Maldives and the UAE have been pivotal to our development,” Mohamed said, expressing gratitude for Abu Dhabi’s ongoing technical and institutional support. “Strengthening cybersecurity is essential as we navigate rapid global technological advancements and evolving digital risks.”
The push to scale up the CSOC which was initially launched last year with Emirati assistance comes amid a broader effort by the Maldives to modernize its law enforcement and combat transnational cybercrime, online financial fraud, and infrastructure vulnerability.
Both delegations emphasized human capital development, laying out plans for specialized technical training and joint capacity-building programs to upskill Maldivian police officers.
“Rapid technological shifts require robust defense mechanisms and continuous workforce development,” Al Kuwaiti noted during the discussions, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to supporting regional partners in securing critical digital assets and establishing trusted cyberspace frameworks.
The talks reflect a deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, with the UAE expanding its role as a key security and digital infrastructure partner across the Indian Ocean region.
