UAE Armed Forces symbolise our nation’s strength, might

Abu Dhabi / WAM

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said that the continuous development of the Armed Forces, in terms of armaments and training, remains a priority. The leadership firmly believes that UAE’s development must be safeguarded, and that a country capable of defending its interests in a world full of threats and challenges needs sophisticated military power to ensure its progress and development.
In a speech marking the 43rd Unification Day of the Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said the development of the Armed Forces was helping to secure the stability and peace of the region. He said the Armed Forces had been a force for peace across the world and had played an important role in peace-keeping efforts globally.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said the leadership was keen on supporting the Armed Forces and providing them the necessary capabilities, and regarded them as the symbol of national pride and the basis of the country’s progress.
His Highness said the UAE would always be grateful to its loyal sons who had brought it glory and made great sacrifices to defend it. He said the nation remembered its fallen martyrs who laid down their lives so that the UAE could be secure. Sheikh Mohamed said the country would firmly uphold the principles for which its heroic martyrs had sacrificed their lives – justice, honour and the fight against tyranny and aggression.
The UAE – the land of tolerance, co-existence and dialogue – would always be secure and stable, with the grace of the Almighty, the wisdom of its leadership and the loyalty of its people, Sheikh Mohamed said. He said the Armed Forces were at the forefront of loyalty, personified bravery and patriotism, and symbolised the nation’s strength and might.
Sheikh Mohamed concluded by saying that 6th May every year would serve as an inspiration to safeguard the legacy of UAE’s fathers and forefathers.

The full text of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s statement is as follows:
Brothers and Sisters, our sons the officers and soldiers of our brave Armed Forces: On this national occasion that is dear to our hearts, on the occasion of the 43rd Unification Day of the Armed Forces, I congratulate you from my heart, and highlight your role in protecting the nation and safeguarding its accomplishments and in doing so, becoming a source of pride for every Emirati.
On this glorious day in the history of the nation, I would like to congratulate our leader along this journey, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and their brothers, Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.
On this occasion, we fondly remember the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brother Rulers of the Emirates, who made a historical decision on 6th May 1976 to unite the Armed Forces under one flag, one goal and one leadership. It was one of the most important decisions in the nation’s history, not only because UAE defence capabilities were consolidated, but also because it led to a unified, sophisticated army capable of countering any threat and confronting those trying to undermine country’s interests. Moreover, this decision helped foster and strengthen the Union. As a
result, the people of the UAE developed bonds of brotherhood, and their hearts and sentiments united, and together they shed their blood in the service of one flag,
to protect our nation and its interests.

Brothers and sisters, our sons the officers and soldiers of our brave Armed Forces: The UAE will forever be grateful to its loyal sons who have brought it glory and made great sacrifices to defend it. On this glorious occasion, we remember our fallen martyrs who are the epitome of sacrifice and heroism. They have fallen so the nation can rise and live in security. We pray to Allah for their noble souls to rest in peace, and may they be the chosen ones. We reiterate that the UAE shall firmly uphold the principles for which our heroic martyrs sacrificed their lives – justice, honour and the fight against tyranny and aggression.
Brothers and sisters, our sons the officers and soldiers of our brave Armed Forces: The continued development of our brave armed forces, in armaments and training, remains a priority. This stems from the leadership’s firm belief that development must be safeguarded, and that a country capable of defending its interests in a world full of risks, threats and challenges must have sophisticated military power to fortify itself on the path to progress and development.
The Armed Forces, 43 years after their union, have become a reference in state-of-the-art arms and technology and effective training, with the support of the leadership and the loyalty of its people. They are capable of operating in different terrains and perform various missions with a high level of efficiency and professionalism. They have won the respect and appreciation of the region and the wider world, and have become one more instance of the UAE’s all-round development.
The development of our Armed Forces helps secure the security, stability and peace of the region. The Armed Forces have always been a force for peace in the region and across the world. They have played an important role in peace-keeping efforts across the world, thus reinforcing the UAE’s international credentials.
The leadership is keen on supporting the Armed Forces and providing them the necessary capabilities. It regards the Armed Forces as the symbol of our pride and the basis of our progress.
Our Armed Forces have always been up to the challenge and worthy of the responsibility and trust bestowed upon them by our leadership and people. They have fought to defend their nation and all that is right and just, and have been fitting ambassadors of the UAE in all the peace-keeping missions they have been part of around the world.
Women in the Armed Forces have earned the trust and support of the leadership under President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. They have demonstrated they are worthy of this trust and privilege over years of hard work. Women have made great achievements and demonstrated competence and the ability to assume responsibility in various areas of national duty.
Brothers and sisters, our sons the officers and soldiers of our brave Armed Forces: This beloved nation, the land of tolerance, co-existence and dialogue, shall always be secure and stable, with the grace of the Almighty, the wisdom of its leadership and the loyalty of its people. You, the Armed Forces, are at the forefront of loyalty, you personify bravery and patriotism, and are a symbol of the nation’s strength and might.

May 6th of every year will serve as an inspiration to safeguard the legacy of our fathers and forefathers, as desired by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the Founding Fathers.

May Allah preserve the UAE and its people.

Armed Forces are source of strength, stability: Ajman Ruler
AJMAN / WAM

HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has said that the UAE Armed Forces are the source of strength and stability, noting that the decision to unite the country’s Armed Forces positioned it among world’s strong armies, thus, contributing effectively, with other GCC and Arab countries’ armies to maintain peace, security and stability locally, regionally and internationally.
In a statement to ‘Nation Shield’, the UAE’s military journal, marking the 43rd Anniversary of the UAE’s Armed Forces Unification Day, to be celebrated on Monday, Sheikh Humaid said, “We celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the Unification of our Armed Forces in fulfillment of our pledge of allegiance and our gratitude to our homeland.”

On this day, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates put their wise vision for the future of this country in practical steps by taking the historic decision on 6th May 1976, to unify the Armed Forces and establish one army for the nation that protects its soil and safeguards its security, stability, achievements and gains while consolidating the entity of the Union and stabilising its pillars.

I would like to convey my deepest congratulations, and appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, along with Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates, and the UAE people on this cherished national occasion, which takes place every year to commemorate the achievements of our brave UAE soldiers and armed forces in their long history, glorious present and notable future, completing the march of strength, union, pride and glory.

The Armed Forces are the source of strength and stability. The historic decision, to unite the country’s armed forces, positioned the UAE Armed Forces as one of the strong armies, which made us proud of having a modern army, equipped with the latest military technologies and capable of tackling all challenges and contribute effectively, with other GCC and Arab countries’ armies to maintain peace, security and stability locally, regionally and internationally.

The UAE Armed Forces provide support and relief to the victims of disasters and the underprivileged across the globe. They also provided the humanitarian aid to shelter refugees and the injured as well as contribute to reconstruction efforts in post conflict zones. By doing so, the UAE Armed Forces presented a picture of honour and pride of the UAE and Arab people.

We are proud as well of our sons and daughters in the national service, who are joining the Armed Forces out of their feeling of belongingness and loyalty to the homeland as well as their keenness to serve their present and future and preserve the gains of their country.

On the occasion, we commemorate the martyrs of our nation and recall their names with glory and heroism. Our sons, who sacrificed for the sake of Allah, the homeland and humanity, have presented historical and illustrious examples of the nation’s march and values, based on tolerance and solidarity.

In conclusion, on this precious occasion, we renew our determination to move forward in the path of union and building the nation, calling the people of this country to continue to be faithful and loyal to protect the achievements of the UAE.”

‘A source of reassurance’
Fujairah / WAM

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah has said that the UAE’s Armed Forces Unification Day is a landmark occasion, recognising the march of our nation.
In a statement to ‘Nation Shield’, marking the 43rd Anniversary of the UAE’s Armed Forces Unification Day, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed said, “The noble values of our Founding Fathers reflect a deep, strategic vision to create a unified and highly efficient national army that is a source of reassurance and a basic component in building the nation, deepening belonging to the homeland and loyalty to its leadership.

In a statement to ‘Nation Shield’, marking the 43rd Anniversary of the UAE’s Armed Forces Unification Day, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed said, “Our Armed Forces – a source of pride for the UAE and its people – have reached high standards in performance and readiness, thanks to their continued efforts under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE Armed Forces are the homeland’s first line of defence, and represent a shield that protects our national accomplishments and our development.
“The noble values of our Founding Fathers reflect a deep, strategic vision to create a unified and highly efficient national army that is a source of reassurance and a basic component in building the nation, deepening belonging to the homeland and loyalty to its leadership.
“It is a great honour to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the unification of the Armed Forces, established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the Founding Fathers, who, together, strengthened the pillars of the nation’s union.”
His Highness added, “Our Armed Forces – a source of pride for the UAE and its people – have reached high standards in performance and readiness, thanks to their continued efforts under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE Armed Forces are the homeland’s first line of defence, and represent a shield that protects our national accomplishments and our development.
“Our honourable soldiers continue to support the oppressed, and stand by the right and just, in a bid to obtain regional stability, embodying the core values in which the UAE was founded.
“Our nation’s heroes represent the finest examples of sacrifice and support in our brotherly Yemen. On the anniversary of this special occasion, we call upon Allah the Almighty to bestow his mercy on the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers the Founding Fathers, and to the nation’s righteous martyrs,” Sheikh Hamad concluded.