Major General Saeed Rashid Al Shehhi, Commander of the UAE Land Forces, watched the joint UAE-USA exercise dubbed “Iron Union 19” staged in the UAE.

The joint exercise features military scenarios which aim to strengthen joint coordination and upgrade combat readiness, UAE national news agency WAM reported.

The exercise is part of the UAE Ministry of Defence’s strategy to raise combat readiness and build tactical proficiency.

In another development, the UAE has rejected the mischaracterisation, in recent press reports, of US-UAE conversations regarding maritime security.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the UAE is committed to peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement as a means of advancing the shared goals of regional security and stability.

“As a result of our ongoing evaluation of effective security cooperation with all partners, two months ago, the UAE withdrew its participation in the Combined Maritime Forces,” the statement said.

The Ministry stressed that the UAE remains committed to responsibly ensuring the safety of navigation in its seas, in accordance with international law.