A hearty salute to UAE Armed Forces

The UAE Armed Forces commands huge respect across the globe and is considered one of the region’s best trained and professional armies.

The UAE Armed Forces’ Unification Day on May 6, 1976, will always remain a milestone in the history of the nation and the entire region, as it strengthened the leading and inspiring experience of the UAE.

It was on that glorious day when the will of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers, Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, converged to build a modern and advanced military force; one that everyone would be proud of while also ensuring the security and safety of the nation and enhancing its stability.

Incidentally, the 44th anniversary of the armed Forces Unification Day coincides with the year when the UAE prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its union.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has aptly highlighted the efforts carried out by the UAE Armed Forces, civil defence teams and medical professionals in curbing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

As Sheikh Khalifa mentioned, the COVID-19 pandemic, despite its high cost and losses, has proven to be a successful test for the UAE’s institutional structures. It has revealed the levels of quality and efficiency of our healthcare systems, which have demonstrated our readiness to address emergencies and crises.

As the country and the world face testing times during the coronavirus pandemic, the 44th anniversary of the UAE Armed Forces’ Unification Day indeed comes as a reminder of this nation’s perseverance and ability to overcome challenges.

In the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai: “Today, as we face unprecedented testing times - as is the entire world - the memory of the unification of our Armed Forces comes to strengthen our belief in our ability to move forward and in successfully overcoming this test.”

The Armed Forces have excelled in protecting our security, stability, sovereignty and independence, and strengthening Emirati identity.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed Forces, has clearly highlighted that the Armed Forces will be cornerstone of UAE’s strategic plans for next 50 years.

Over the past decades, the Armed Forces have always been the protector of the UAE’s sovereignty, security and development achievements, despite the conflicts, wars and crises witnessed by the region, and they will always be the country’s shield and a symbol of its strength and ability to address challenges.

The UAE’s vision and principles are firmly embodied by the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed, when he said, “Our armed forces have always been and will be a force of peace and stability in the region and the world, and the UAE is a country that wants peace, sows goodness and hope wherever it goes.”

The UAE is a friendly nation that stands unwaveringly for global solidarity. The joint multilateral military exercises that the UAE Armed Forces conduct throughout the year on the country’s soil, along with the forces of friendly countries, help promote cooperation and joint action, and exchange military expertise.

The entire nation heartily salutes our valiant soldiers in all fields, who are performing their national duty and protecting the UAE’s interests.