UAE President witnesses armed forces unification celebration

The UAE's President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended a celebration marking the 47th anniversary of the unification of the armed forces.

The event included activities and performances demonstrating the depth of national pride in the occasion and paying tribute to the historic decision to unify the UAE armed forces on May 6, 1976.

This decision remains a pivotal moment in the history of the UAE, as it strengthened the pillars of the country's union and served to safeguard its achievements while cementing its position in support of peace and stability.

During the celebration, participants reflected on the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow founding leaders who laid the foundations for a strong and proud nation.

Upon Sheikh Mohamed's arrival in the Abu Mureikha area, where the agreement to unify the armed forces was signed 47 years ago, he was welcomed by Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Lieutenant-General Engineer Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; and other senior commanders.

The senior leadership of the armed forces also presented His Highness with a souvenir model of the Abu Mureikha area headquarters, symbolising the significance of the location.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation to current and former members of the armed forces, praising their dedication to the nation and enabling its continued progress.

I was honoured to join members of our armed forces on the anniversary of their unification day, a historic decision by our Founding Father that reinforced the strength of our union. I congratulate and thank all current and former members for their tireless dedication to the UAE. pic.twitter.com/UDorlDQ58n

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) May 5, 2023