Picture used for illustration.

The 6^th of May is a special day in the UAE, it is the anniversary of the Armed Forces Unification Day. This year marks 44 years since the armed forces were unified.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces praised the role of the country’s armed forces in fighting all sorts of crises across the globe.

He called on the Armed Forces to take note of how the novel virus, Covid-19, is affecting national security in different parts of the world.

The armed forces will be a “cornerstone” of the UAE strategic plans to prepare for the next 50 years.

He also appreciated the role women play in the defence forces.

“I appreciate the key role of Emirati women in the Armed Forces, and their devotion and efficiency in performing their duties, highlighting their worthiness and influential presence in all areas of work, and their participation with men in the process of overall development,” he added.

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, commended the UAE founding fathers for taking that step.

He said, “It is a wise step that reflected the insight and comprehensive approach adopted by our founding fathers in laying the foundations of a modern state capable of protecting its capabilities and providing peace and tranquility to its citizens and residents."

According to H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, the unification of the defence forces of the seven emirates was an important step in building the federal state.

“We remember the historic decision to establish the unified Armed Forces under one leadership and one flag, to support the pillars of the union and safeguard the achievements and gains,” he said.

The Unification Day also serves as a day to honour and appreciate the martyrs of the UAE, he said.

The martyrs “represent an immortal example of national unity and belonging,” he added.

H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah described the occasion as an “exceptional march of our homeland.”

Sheikh Hamad said that 6th May 1976, embodied "the insight and profound vision of the Founding Fathers and Rulers of the Emirates, who laid the basic pillars for the prosperity of the Union and its noble national values, which are making its citizens the goal of all its development plans and strategies, and making the achievement of happiness in society a top priority."

H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, commended the unification for resulting in an “accelerated development” among the forces.

He applauded all the members of the United Armed Forces for “their exceptional role in fending off enemies from the borders of our dear homeland, and for continuing to support security and stability.”

“On this glorious national occasion, we send our greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and to you, my sons and daughters, recruits of our valiant armed forces, and to the people of the UAE who are proud of their armed forces,” mentioned all the rulers in their statement.

WAM