The UAE President attended the celebration marking the 47th anniversary of the unification of the armed forces

A ceremony honouring the 47th anniversary of the unity of the military forces was attended by the president of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Supreme Commander of the military Forces.

A wide range of events and performances were part of the celebration, which paid homage to the momentous decision to reunite the armed services on May 6, 1976, and showed how deeply the country took the occasion to heart. This choice continues to be a turning point in the history of the UAE since it fortified the foundations of the nation's union, served to protect its accomplishments, and solidified its stance in favour of peace and stability.

Participants in the ceremony reflected on the work done by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and other founding leaders who brought the armed forces under one command and built the groundwork for a powerful and proud nation. The UAE can now continue to look to the future with confidence and ambition thanks to its leadership and vision.

President arrived at the Abu Mureikha area, where the agreement to unify the armed forces was signed 47 years ago. Here, he was welcomed by Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Lieutenant-General Engineer Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; and several other senior commanders.

Sheikh Mohamed spoke with the present military officials and former service members and offered his congratulations to many military and civilian winners of armed forces awards in appreciation of their contributions in various missions.

The top military leadership also gave His Highness the President a model of the Abu Mureikha region headquarters as a memento, signifying the location's significance for the unity of the armed forces.

Sheikh Mohamed extended his gratitude to active-duty and retired military personnel, praising their patriotic role and commitment to preserving the nation's stability and fostering its ongoing development.

Along with Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court, and several senior officials and commanders from the various branches of the armed forces, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also attended the ceremony.