UAE participates in Saudi military exercise

The Gulf Shield 2026 exercise has commenced in Saudi Arabia, with participation from the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

The exercise aims to enhance combat readiness and strengthen joint military operations in accordance with best practices, with the ultimate goal of achieving integration in the joint operations environment.

The Gulf Shield exercise comprises a series of procedures and scenarios designed to evaluate preparedness and the efficacy of responses to different threats, thereby reinforcing the GCC’s flexible deterrence system.

As a prime example of joint defence cooperation, the Gulf Shield exercise demonstrates the GCC states’ commitment to enhancing their security and stability, and to consolidating the concept of collective military action in the face of current and future challenges.

Recently, the UAE Accountability Authority (UAEAA) and Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening their strategic partnership in the fields of anti-corruption, governance, and the development of oversight systems.

The agreement reflects the strong relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and aligns with both nations’ vision to enhance institutional cooperation and coordination among Gulf integrity bodies.

It seeks to raise the efficiency of government operations, uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability, and support the stability of the region’s economic and administrative environment.

The memorandum was signed in the presence of Humaid Obaid Khalifa Obaid Abushibs, President of the UAEAA, and Mazin Al-Kahmous, President of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority in Saudi Arabia.

Both sides emphasised the importance of exchanging expertise, building institutional capacity, and establishing permanent channels for technical cooperation and the exchange of data and modern oversight practices.

The partnership focuses on enhancing the capabilities of both parties in administrative investigation, data-driven analysis, and the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

It also includes the development of joint training and professional programmes to strengthen national competencies and institutional readiness to address future challenges, in addition to cooperation in combating cross-border corruption crimes.