Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and UAE Minister of Defence, visited Zayed Military City in Abu Dhabi on January 8, 2025, to review the readiness of the UAE Armed Forces and inspect the country's latest defence capabilities.
Reviewing UAE Armed Forces Readiness at Zayed Military City
During the inspection, Sheikh Hamdan received a comprehensive briefing on advanced defence systems and was given a detailed tour of the military technologies in active use. He observed the intensive training programmes that enable Armed Forces personnel to operate cutting-edge systems with precision.
Sheikh Hamdan underscored the critical role of continuous training, noting that he has "attached great significance to the training continuously so that the armed forces are capable to carry out missions quickly and efficiently within and outside the country."
Armed Forces as the Nation's Shield
Sheikh Hamdan praised the UAE Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to the nation's security and development. He affirmed that the military plays a vital role as "a steadfast guardian of the nation's achievements" — a protective shield for its progress — and credited the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, as the guiding force behind the country's defence strength.
He emphasised that rigorous training methods are essential to maintaining the highest level of military preparedness, both within the UAE and for operations abroad.
Honouring Military Excellence
During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan presented medals to three senior officers in recognition of their outstanding service and dedication to the UAE's military development:
- Major General Staff Pilot Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan — Commander of the Naval Forces - Matar Salem Al Dhaheri — Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence - Major General Abdullah Faraj Masoud Al Mehairbi — Deputy Commander of the UAE Naval Forces
The honours recognised their hard work, commitment, and distinguished contributions to national defence.
Armed Forces Express Gratitude
Military personnel at Zayed Military City thanked Sheikh Hamdan for the visit, stating that his encouragement and guidance would motivate them to train harder and achieve optimal readiness. They pledged to ensure the UAE remains a model of safety and stability for the region.
