On the 48th Anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, Leaders from across the country lauded Sunday the military’s legacy and how far it had come since its foundation.

On this occasion, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan delivered the following statement to members of the Armed Forces, UAE national news agency WAM reported:

‘’May 6th is one of the most revered and enduring days in the history of the UAE. On this day in 1976, one of the most important decisions of the nation was made to unify our armed forces. This decision strengthened the Union and reinforced the pursuit of national cohesion by the UAE’s Founding Father and his fellow rulers, may God bless them.

I extend my best regards and appreciation to all members of our armed forces across various branches, and I thank them, offer my support, and value their contributions, dedication, and steadfastness in upholding the nation’s progress in diverse fields. I also commend the values they champion, all of which represent our dear nation, particularly in their efforts to assist the needy and support those afflicted in disaster and crisis areas.

On this day, we pray for mercy for our honourable fallen heroes who gave their lives in defence of the UAE and its values and continue to serve as exemplars of patriotism and sacrifice. Our Armed Forces will remain a shield for the nation, a protector of development, and a pillar of progress in the UAE,” H.H. added.

For his part, Staff Lieutenant General Issa Saif Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, affirmed that the unification of the Armed Forces was not just a military decision, but rather a cornerstone in building a strong and united country capable of protecting its security and stability and ensuring a bright future for its citizens.

In a speech on the occasion of the 48th Anniversary of the Unification of the Armed Forces, Al Mazrouei said: “I extend my warmest congratulations to President and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and the Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates; Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers on the occasion of the forty-eighth anniversary of the unification of the Armed Forces, which took place on May 6, 1976.”

“This day is considered one of the important national days in the contemporary history of the United Arab Emirates and a historical milestone that we celebrate every year at the level of our Armed Forces. We are proud of this fateful decision in the march of unity, when our wise leadership, represented by the founding fathers, decided to unify the ranks of the Armed Forces under one leadership, thereby enhancing the stability of our state and protecting its capabilities and achievements,” he added.

The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces stressed that “the decision to unify the Armed Forces was an important and decisive step, confirming the strategic vision and leadership wisdom exemplified by the Founding Father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, and his brothers, the rulers of the Emirates at that time. Since then, we have been following the path of progress and development, as our Armed Forces have witnessed significant developments in organisation, armament, and training, making them a model to be emulated in the region and the world.”

He concluded that the UAE will continue to move forward towards achieving more accomplishments.