UAE Marks 49 Years of Armed Forces Unity with Pride

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

On the 49th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, shared a heartfelt message. He reminded the people—especially the younger generation who didn’t witness the early days of the Union—about the importance of this occasion and its great meaning in the country’s history.

Sheikh Mohammed called this day a key moment in the UAE’s journey of growth. He said it was one of the brightest pages in the country’s national story. When Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the other Rulers of the Emirates came together on 6th May 1976 to unify the UAE Armed Forces, they built the final and most important part of the Union. This step created a strong shield to protect the country and keep it safe and stable.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

Here is the full message from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed:

Dear sons and daughters of our great country, brave officers, and soldiers of our Armed Forces, peace and blessings be upon you.

I send you my warmest greetings on this special national day—the 49th anniversary of the unification of our Armed Forces. Today, we thank God for the many blessings we enjoy. We are proud of how far our leadership and people have come in building a successful Emirati model known around the world for its achievements and kindness.

Today, we remember the wisdom and dedication of our Founding Fathers—especially Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the father of our nation, and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, along with the other Rulers who worked together to build our Union.

All Emiratis today are proud of our strong and professional Armed Forces. But this anniversary is not just a day of pride—it is a chance, especially for young people who were not there during the early years, to think about how important this step was in shaping the UAE. The unification of the Armed Forces was a turning point that helped the country grow and become stronger.

On May 6, 1976, only five years after the UAE was formed, Sheikh Zayed and his fellow Rulers took a bold decision to unite the different military forces of the Emirates into one. This made the Union stronger and gave it a powerful shield to protect the nation and keep peace.

At that time, we faced many difficulties. There were not enough trained national staff to work in the government and military. The number of soldiers was small, military systems were different, and weapons came from different sources. But our Founding Fathers were wise and determined. They never believed anything was impossible.

Thanks to their strong will, the unification of the Armed Forces became one of the best examples of building a modern and well-organized national army. It helped us develop both the equipment and the people needed to defend our country.

Over 49 years, our Armed Forces have worked hard. With training, planning, and gaining experience, they have mastered modern military systems and advanced technologies. We didn’t stop there—we also started building our own defense industries. These industries are not just important for our military—they also help grow our economy and develop national talent.

We are proud to say that the UAE now makes many of its own weapons and military equipment. This has helped us become more self-reliant. Our defense industry also supports other fields like space, nuclear and clean energy, artificial intelligence, and smart government systems.

Dear sons and daughters of the UAE,

On this important day, I salute all members of our Armed Forces, our security teams, and our young men doing national and reserve service. We are proud of your loyalty and your willingness to serve your country, even if it means risking your life.

I also want to thank my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. For almost 45 years, he has guided our Armed Forces with his vision, careful planning, and close follow-up. Thanks to him, our Armed Forces have reached a top level of strength and professionalism.

Sheikh Mohamed’s efforts to honor our martyrs—through places like Wahat Al Karama, the Martyrs’ Monument, and the Office of Martyrs’ Families Affairs—show the deep respect and love between the leadership and the people. These efforts keep the memory of our heroes alive and help future generations learn from their courage and dedication.

I pray that Allah continues to guide our President and the Rulers of the Emirates. May He protect our nation, keep us safe, and give us the strength to keep building a bright future for our beloved UAE.