In a statement on the occasion of the UAE Armed Forces 36th Unification Day, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum hailed the UAE army as men of chivalry, magnanimity, altruism and self sacrifice.
In a statement on the occasion of the UAE Armed Forces 36th Unification Day, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum hailed the UAE army as men of chivalry, magnanimity, altruism and self sacrifice.
The following is an edited transcript of Sheikh Mohammed’s statement published by Diraa Al Watan (Nation Shield) magazine:
My dear brothers, sons, officers and soldiers of the UAE Armed Forces,
I begin with Allah’s blessed name, I praise Him and glorify Him as He ought to be praised and glorified. We thank Allah for his countless blessings and for guiding us unto the path upright and for filling our hearts with faith and guidance to serve our homeland and fellow citizens as He pleases.
We are ever grateful to Allah for this occasion; the 36th anniversary of the UAE Armed Forces Unification day. A day on which the aspirations of a nation came to be... A day deeply rooted in the heart of every patriotic citizen of our beloved homeland.
It was on May 6th, 1976 that the founding fathers of this noble nation decided to create the unified UAE armed forces with a mission to protect the gains of and achievements of a young unified federation. The unification was a cornerstone that serves a pivotal role of a nation that believed in a vision to march boldly into the future. It was a historic decision that cemented the Federation and guaranteed the success of our fledgling state.
As we proudly recall the glorious day 36 years ago, we learn to deeply appreciate the vision of the founding fathers of this country whose systematic building of the armed forces reflected foresight and care to preserve our dignity.
Though the challenges were immense, manifested in severe shortage of national human resources needed for command, control, planning, organisation and training, the determination to work hard and succeed was the driving force of noble cause. In a short space of time, the United Arab Emirates managed to build these human resources who are in charge today - resources of all ranks, levels and responsibilities who are highly efficient in command, control, planning, execution and management of high-level weaponry and defence systems.
Dear officers and soldiers of the UAE Armed Forces,
Every year on this glorious day, we hold our heads high and salute the UAE Armed Forces for the qualitative progress it has attained in field skills and acquiring modern knowledge that helped shape an advanced model of excellence.
Inspired by a foresighted and wise leadership, the UAE Armed Forces displays exemplary discipline and devotion aided by a deep sense of vigilance and proper understanding of the surrounding threats and challenges.
It gives me great pleasure to see the level of accomplishment you have achieved and your unwavering dedication to your country and its wise leadership. With hearts filled with faith, you remain a source of pride and honour for your country under the leadership of UAE President and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, May Allah Bless him, who is keen to make available all needed resources and equip the UAE Armed Forces with the latest weaponry, knowledge systems and training.
I would also like to congratulate you on the continuous follow-up of my brother, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose role in developing our forces has always proved to be of great importance. I applaud his relentless support to ensure the highest degree of preparedness of our armed forces, thus allowing them to perform their duties and missions as per the highest internationally-recognised standards.
You are the cream of the crop in our rich, benevolent, loving, optimistic and highly ambitious country. Today we celebrate our victorious march decorated with achievement borne out of perseverance, dedication and loyalty to your country and your leadership, all of which add up to a long record of success in all fields.
Brothers and sons,
My belief in you has no boundaries... You have proved to be men of chivalry, magnanimity, altruism and self sacrifice. It fills my heart with great pride to stand before you and salute men who have taken an oath to sacrifice all that is dear to protect and preserve our beloved homeland and make certain the United Arab Emirates remains a proud and sovereign nation.
With pride, I salute men who train day and night to attain excellence in modern military science... Men who keep an ever-watchful eye to protect the security and stability of our beloved homeland.
May Allah bless you and safeguard our country from any harm.
