The UAE Ministry of Defense honored a number of officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers, retired personnel and recruits of the National Service, both male and female, from different specializations for winning the 4th edition of the UAE Armed Forces Excellence and Innovation Award.

The ceremony was held Tuesday under the patronage of Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and attended by Major General Abdul Rahman Al Marri, Assistant Chief of Staff for Joint Capabilities at the Ministry of Defense, and a number of senior ministry officials and armed forces officers.

Dr. Al Jaber said the UAE leadership has developed a forward-looking approach for excellence and innovation within the framework of a clear strategy for institutional work in preparation for the next 50 years, especially in the UAE Armed Forces, Emirates news agency WAM reported.

“Our Armed Forces have presented an inspiring model in the applications of advanced technology in the field of defense and security to meet current and future needs and to contribute to the localization of military industries and their scientific applications based on innovative and creative solutions,'” he said.

He pointed out that the award signifies the country's goals towards promoting a culture of innovation and sustainable investment in human energies, which would enhance the global competitiveness of the UAE and transform the concept of innovation and excellence into a sustainable institutional culture in various areas of government work.

Addressing the ceremony, Major General Dr. Mubarak Al Jabri, Assistant Undersecretary for Support and Defense Industries, Ministry of Defense, and Chairman of the Award’s Higher Committee, said the award fulfils the leadership's vision and strategy to build a deterrent force equipped with advanced military and defense systems and technologies so as to play its vital role efficiently and effectively.

Dr. Al Jaber and Major General Al Jabri honored the winners.

Founded in 2018 under directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the award aims to foster excellence and innovation among the UAE Armed Forces officers and personnel.