Increased intelligence and surveillance technology will help the Maldives better monitor its areas, said Minister of Defense and National Security, Mariya Ahmed Didi.

The minister made this assertion during her address at the GITEX Technology Week 2019 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) during which she spoke on "Security, Education & Technology in the 21st Century".

Highlighting that Maldives is blessed with rich fishing grounds, the minister said that maritime encroachment is a major risk surfacing for the country.

This however, may be avoided through intelligence and surveillance technology which is deemed to be of help in better monitoring the area.

Stating that corrupt practices are avoided following UAE’s E-Govt services, which provide equality, efficiency and transparency, Minister Mariya stated that technology helps reach all segments and allow concerns to be shared.

Further, she said that one “well-placed” Tweet can generate a “faster response” than countless grievance letter in this “golden age” of social media.

Minister Mariya also shed light on the government’s “Jazeera Raajje” vision, which will lead to a population that is well-connected, well-informed and healthy.

This, Mariya said, is why the country has embarked on an “ambitious” national plan to enhance technical integration, which is sure to “make our lives infinitely better”.

“Hundreds of SMEs leverage tech very effectively. A lot of them are owned and run by women who are cooks, accountants, marketing specialists & logisticians all at the same time, perhaps the best example of "Super Jobs". It's indeed the era of super moms”

While Minister Mariya departed on 5 October to participate in the biggest tech show in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, she concluded her trip and returned on Thursday.

She was seen off by Ambassador of Maldives in UAE, Dr. Hussain Niyaz, whose simplicity and willingness to help, Mariya defined as “remarkable” and “praiseworthy”.

Mariya met several UAE officials during the trip including Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of UAE, Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan who offered to train firemen of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) at UAE’s institute.

While this is the 39th year it was hosted, it showcased the latest trends and product innovations from across the globe, from 6 – 10 October.