The Maldives Police Service has launched a major upgrade to its digital infrastructure with the groundbreaking ceremony held for a state-of-the-art police data centre, funded by the UAE Cyber Security Council.

The ceremony, on August 11 in Hulhumalé Phase 2, was attended by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, UAE Cyber Security Council Head Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, and Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, alongside senior police officials and UAE delegates.

The data centre will be equipped with modern facilities to enhance policing capabilities, allowing the force to keep pace with evolving technology and bolster crime prevention and law enforcement. Police said the centre will play a vital role in streamlining operations and strengthening investigative capacity.

The newly established Police Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) at the Shaheed Hussain Adam Building was also officially inaugurated. Supported by the UAE, the CSOC has been designed to serve as the nation’s shield in cyberspace - detecting, responding to, and mitigating cyber threats while reducing risks to national security.

Commissioner Naveen described the development as a milestone in the Maldives–UAE partnership, noting that national security now relies heavily on the ability to address challenges in 'invisible' digital domains. Dr Al-Kuwaiti also met with senior police officials to discuss strengthening cybersecurity cooperation and expanding training opportunities.

The UAE delegation’s visit builds on discussions held with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in August last year, during which both sides committed to deeper collaboration in the cyber domain.