Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, recently attended a grand celebration in Abu Dhabi to mark the 48th anniversary of the unification of the armed forces. The event, held in the Abu Mureikha area, was a significant occasion that brought together key figures in the military and government to commemorate the historic decision made on May 6, 1976.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, and Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President and Chairman of the UAE Camel Racing Federation. The celebration featured various activities and performances that paid tribute to the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the UAE’s founding leaders in unifying the armed forces and laying the groundwork for a strong and prosperous nation.
As Sheikh Hamdan arrived at the Abu Mureikha area, where the historic agreement was signed nearly five decades ago, he was warmly welcomed by top military officials, including Mohammad Mubarak Fadhel Al-Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and Lieutenant-General Engineer Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. Sheikh Hamdan took the opportunity to engage with military leaders and retired service personnel, expressing his gratitude and congratulations to those who have received armed forces medals for their exceptional contributions to various operations.
During the event, Sheikh Hamdan also participated in a military parade and personally awarded medals to senior officers of the armed forces. He visited the museum located in the Abu Mureikha area, where he had the chance to explore a collection of artifacts showcasing the early history of the UAE Armed Forces, including models of antique military uniforms and equipment. The senior leadership of the armed forces presented Sheikh Hamdan with a model of the Abu Mureikha area headquarters as a symbol of its significance in the history of the armed forces.
The ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials and commanders representing various divisions of the UAE Armed Forces, highlighting the unity and strength of the country’s military forces. The event served as a reminder of the vision and dedication of the UAE’s founding leaders in building a secure and prosperous nation, and Sheikh Hamdan’s presence underscored the government’s commitment to honoring and celebrating the achievements of the armed forces.
Overall, the celebration of the 48th anniversary of the unification of the armed forces was a momentous occasion that brought together key figures in the military and government to reflect on the past accomplishments and look towards a bright future for the UAE. Sheikh Hamdan’s participation and engagement with military leaders and personnel further emphasized the importance of honoring and recognizing the contributions of those who serve in the armed forces, ensuring that their efforts are celebrated and appreciated by the nation.