UAE Armed Forces Celebrate 49 Years of Unification
Sheikh Hamdan leads ceremonies honoring the anniversary and the legacy of the nation's Founding Father.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, marked the 49th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces at a ceremony held on Tuesday in the Abu Mureikha area of Abu Dhabi.
The event underscored the significance of military unification as a momentous national occasion for reflection on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Founding Father.
The unification of the Armed Forces occurred five years after the formation of the UAE on December 2, 1971, when six of the seven emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah—came together, with Ras Al Khaimah joining on February 10, 1972.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the decision to unify the military under a single command significantly enhanced the nation's defense capabilities.
He noted that investments in advanced defense technologies have been crucial in maintaining a high level of military preparedness.
The Ministry of Defence extended its condolences to families of those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces, while also recognizing the dedication of military personnel serving both domestically and internationally.
The ceremony attracted key government figures, including Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Lt Gen Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; Lt Gen Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence; and Lt Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.
The day prior, UAE leaders collectively honored the anniversary.
President Sheikh Mohamed described the occasion as a crucial chapter in the nation's development, commending the military for its steadfastness in protecting the Emirates and its residents.
He also acknowledged the armed forces' humanitarian efforts during crises, which have fostered a reputation for compassion both domestically and internationally.
The President paid tribute to service members who died in the line of duty.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, remarked on the opportunity to draw insights from the military's legacy of unification, which he referred to as a pivotal moment in the UAE's nation-building journey.
Additionally, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, highlighted the essential role of military personnel in safeguarding the country's sovereignty and unity.
The event underscored the significance of military unification as a momentous national occasion for reflection on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Founding Father.
The unification of the Armed Forces occurred five years after the formation of the UAE on December 2, 1971, when six of the seven emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah—came together, with Ras Al Khaimah joining on February 10, 1972.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the decision to unify the military under a single command significantly enhanced the nation's defense capabilities.
He noted that investments in advanced defense technologies have been crucial in maintaining a high level of military preparedness.
The Ministry of Defence extended its condolences to families of those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces, while also recognizing the dedication of military personnel serving both domestically and internationally.
The ceremony attracted key government figures, including Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Lt Gen Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; Lt Gen Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence; and Lt Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.
The day prior, UAE leaders collectively honored the anniversary.
President Sheikh Mohamed described the occasion as a crucial chapter in the nation's development, commending the military for its steadfastness in protecting the Emirates and its residents.
He also acknowledged the armed forces' humanitarian efforts during crises, which have fostered a reputation for compassion both domestically and internationally.
The President paid tribute to service members who died in the line of duty.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, remarked on the opportunity to draw insights from the military's legacy of unification, which he referred to as a pivotal moment in the UAE's nation-building journey.
Additionally, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, highlighted the essential role of military personnel in safeguarding the country's sovereignty and unity.