UK govt. donates first aid training gear to MACL

The British High Commission in the Maldives, on Sunday, has donated first aid training equipment to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

The donation aimed at enhancing the company's ability to provide lifesaving first aid in emergency situations is part of the UK government’s broader Protective Security & Attack Response Program (PSARP) being delivered across the Maldives, which aims to improve emergency preparedness and response capabilities throughout the country.

In a joint statement, the British High Commission in the Maldives and MACL said the equipment will allow MACL’s frontline staff to provide essential first aid, enhancing safety for the 125,000 British tourists who visit the Maldives each year, as well as the general public.

The equipment was handed over by the acting-British British High Commissioner to the Maldives Toff Wahab and received by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)’s CEO and MD Ibrahim Shareef.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, High Commissioner Wahab said the donation demonstrates the UK government’s commitment to working with Maldivian partners to enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities.

“By supporting MACL with this vital first aid training equipment, we're helping to ensure that frontline staff have the tools they need to save lives in emergency situations,” he added.

Wahab noted that UK places the highest priority on the safety of British nationals abroad. As such he said the donation will aid in protecting numerous British tourists who travel to the Maldives every year.

“It also reflects our excellent relationship with MACL, who have shown great commitment to improving their emergency response capabilities,” he added.

Meanwhile, Shareef expressed gratitude to the British High Commission for their continued support.

“As the operator of the main gateway to the Maldives, MACL has established strict protocols to respond effectively in emergency situations. Ensuring our staff are well-trained and prepared remains a top priority, and this donation directly supports that mission,” he added.

The equipment donation marks the latest advancement in the UK-Maldives security partnership, which has previously included joint emergency response exercises like 'Amaan Asseyri' conducted in May 2025, along with continued collaboration across multiple security areas.

This donation aligns with the broader goals of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office regarding Indo-Pacific security. These objectives were reaffirmed during the Second UK-Maldives Strategic Dialogue held in Malé in May 2025, where both nations emphasized their mutual commitment to regional stability and countering emerging threats.