Special ceremony to 10th anniversary of UAE National Service

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, attended a special ceremony organised by the Ministry of Defence in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National and Reserve Service Law.

The event was also attended by key UAE leadership figures, including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence of the UAE.

The ceremony honored the values of loyalty, patriotism, and sacrifice, which are central to the UAE’s development and security.

It also featured the largest military parade in the nation's history, the "Waqfat Walaa" (A Stand of Loyalty), marking a significant moment for the UAE Armed Forces, with thousands of National Service and Reserve Force members participating.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed deep appreciation for citizens' commitment to national service, emphasising that it embodies loyalty and dedication to the nation.

He praised the UAE’s youth for upholding the legacy of the country's founders and for their contributions to growth, innovation, and defense.

The ceremony also saw the handover of the Khalifa bin Zayed Airborne Brigade flag, an important advancement in the UAE's defense capabilities. In addition, Sheikh Mohammed awarded several military officers and non-commissioned officers with the UAE Military Medal in recognition of their contributions to the successful implementation of the National and Reserve Service Law.

Among those present were key figures such as Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council; H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, among others.