Mohammed's speech on the 34th Armed Forces Unification Day

In a statement issued through Dira'a Al Watan to mark the 34th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum congratulated President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion, while speaking on behalf of the country's military and security personnel. The following is an edited translation of his speech:

Brothers and sons, officers and soldiers of our armed forces,

With the peace, mercy and blessings of God, I would like to greet you individually on this annual occasion celebrating one of the most important achievements and strongest pillars on our glorious march that began on December 2nd, 1971, under the leadership of our founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul. This wise leadership is now continued by our President and brother, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God watch over him.

Today, I recall the march of our armed forces since their unification on May 6, 1976. I remember with pride our founding fathers and offer them my prayers and praise, as our federal structure would be incomplete without a common defense policy, under the command of a united national army. This was not an easy task, as in most contemporary models, the job of unifying several armies into one army was a most difficult undertaking. The costs were heavy, but, with wisdom, our founding fathers overcame these hardships.

They moved the unification process forward step-by-step until they built a strong army that became the shield of the nation and the defender of its sovereignty, independence and achievements, while deterring all opportunists and plotters. This umbrella of security and stability allows us to live in dignity and peace - a prerequisite for development and progress in the country, thus enabling all citizens to live a comfortable and happy life.

The 6th of May 1976 will remain a bright day in our lives, and will be cherished in our history, consciousness and national memory. This was a grand plan to build and transform our armed forces from small, disconnected units into a national army with common policies, under one command and one flag.

I am honoured have borne witness to the evolution of our armed forces over the past 34 years; to have seen how the dream turned into reality and how the seed grew into a big tree with a bumper crop. I also saw how with resolute uniformity we achieved success with our national military; how we developed into a modern army in terms of structure, systems, armaments, education, training and accountability at all levels; how we developed leadership, planning and management of the latest weapons, technology and military science.

Fellow officers and soldiers,

You belong to the officer corps, the military life; an institution of honour, chivalry, horsemanship and loyalty. I am proud of your devotion and sacrifice for your leadership and country. I call on you to maintain your firm beliefs, high morale and good attributes; to embrace training enthusiastically; to develop your capacities and sharpen your knowledge; to keep abreast of the modern age.

On this day, on behalf of you and all your colleagues in the security forces, I would like to renew my allegiance to the Commander of the UAE Armed Forces President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. I would like to congratulate and pay tribute to him for his unlimited care and support for the advancement of our armed forces, who have become one of the most competent and sophisticated armies in the region and the world at large.

I would also like to congratulate Their Highnesses, the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates and give utmost credit to Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has dedicated himself to the development, armament and modernisation of the armed forces, thus allowing our army to protect the homeland and its borders.

In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the country's sons and daughters on this precious national occasion, and invite them to reflect on the meaning and implication of having a consolidated army; and to ponder the great national achievement that is our unified armed forces.

May the peace, mercy and blessings of God be on all of you.