The country looks back on 50 years of military unity, safeguarding security at home and overseas.
Dubai: The UAE will mark the 50th anniversary of its Armed Forces Unification Day on Wednesday, celebrating the strength of its military and its vital role in promoting regional and global security and stability.
This year’s occasion carries added significance, coming at a time that underscores the critical role of the UAE Armed Forces in defending the nation, protecting its people and achievements, and maintaining stability amid evolving regional challenges.
In light of the recent attacks against the country from Iran, the Ministry of Defence said: “Over the past five decades, the Naval Forces have stood as a strong line of defence in protecting and securing the nation’s waters. They have carried out their duties with high efficiency and constant vigilance, embodying the highest values of loyalty and sacrifice, while moving forward with confidence towards a stronger, safer, and more secure future.”
The occasion also highlights the country’s successful military missions and operations, including its participation in the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, the Arab Deterrent Force in Lebanon, and the Peninsula Shield Forces during the liberation of Kuwait. It also underscores contributions to United Nations-led “Operation Restore Hope” in Somalia, demining efforts and the removal of cluster bombs and unexploded ordnance in southern Lebanon, humanitarian support for affected communities in Kosovo, reconstruction efforts in Iraq, and major relief operations following the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan.
The UAE Armed Forces have played a pivotal role in the nation’s unification and development over the decades, earning global recognition through commendations and reports from leading international organisations.
In a landmark decision on May 6, 1976, the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, unified the Armed Forces under a single command and flag, cementing their role as the guardian of the nation’s achievements and progress.
Under the leadership of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the readiness and capabilities of the UAE Armed Forces continued to strengthen. Today, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan continues to support and oversee the Armed Forces, building on his long-standing contribution to their development since graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1979.
Over the past decades, the UAE Armed Forces have kept pace with evolving development and training requirements, enhancing their effectiveness through the adoption of advanced technologies.
