H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, stated that the unification of the UAE Armed Forces was not merely an administrative decision but rather an embodiment of the vision of the founding fathers — a decisive move that shaped the nation’s present, charted its future, and paved the way for its people to enjoy the blessings of prosperity, security, and stability today.
‘’Today, we celebrate with you a dear and cherished occasion — a precious national day among our eternal milestones — the 49th anniversary of the Unification of our Armed Forces. This historic event reflects the wise vision of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his fellow founding leaders. May 6, 1976, stands as one of the most significant historic decisions, marking a transformational moment in the unification, modernisation, and enhancement of the efficiency of our UAE Armed Forces under a centralised command and a unified entity, safeguarding the nation’s security and stability, preserving its achievements and resources, and becoming a pillar and supporter of justice, peace, growth, and prosperity in the region and the world,” said Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi in a statement marking the 49th anniversary of the unification of the Armed Forces.
“The unification of the Armed Forces was not merely an administrative decision but rather an embodiment of the vision of the founding fathers — a decisive move that shaped our present, charted our future, and paved the way for us to enjoy the blessings of prosperity, security, and stability today. It reflected their farsighted wisdom in preparing for future challenges, ensuring that our developmental journey continues confidently toward a bright and flourishing future, alongside a strong and capable force that protects the nation’s achievements, instils trust and reassurance among its citizens and residents, and enables our country to engage with regional and international issues in a way that serves our national interests and promotes peace and stability across the region and the world,” H.H. affirmed.
Sheikh Saud added, “Our Armed Forces have received special care and great attention from my brother, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His Highness firmly believes that security is the cornerstone of any development or progress — for advancement, growth, and socio-economic prosperity cannot be sustained without a modern military and a comprehensive defense system led by loyal sons of the nation committed to preserving its security and sovereignty.
Under His Highness’s leadership, our Armed Forces have witnessed a comprehensive modernisation drive, achieving remarkable leaps and significant developments that have placed them among the world’s most advanced armies in terms of technical progress, technological sophistication, combat efficiency, readiness, and preparedness, making them a formidable force capable of deterrence and defending the homeland’s soil and achievements.”
“The anniversary of the Armed Forces Unification is not just a date we commemorate, but a manifestation of determination, national solidarity, and strategic awareness shown by the wise leadership from the earliest days of the nation’s establishment. The security and stability we enjoy today did not come by chance but are the fruits of tremendous efforts, immense sacrifices, and continuous vigilance from the sons of our Armed Forces. Our UAE Armed Forces have proven their merit in arenas of honour and duty, playing a pioneering role across multiple fields, participating in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid, and developmental initiatives, earning global respect.
They have, he went on to say, demonstrated high competence in their military and humanitarian operations, becoming a model of organisation, development, and the integration of technological and human elements — thanks to qualified national cadres who have shown commitment, discipline, and devotion in serving the homeland.
“On this glorious national day, we express our pride and admiration for our sons — the officers and personnel of the Armed Forces — who have sworn to protect the nation. They are the true men of the homeland, the symbol of its pride and strength, and its impenetrable shield. We also remember with great pride and reverence the righteous martyrs of the UAE — the sons of the Armed Forces — who sacrificed their pure lives so that the nation’s flag may always fly high. Their sacrifices will forever be etched in the memory of the homeland and will remain an inspiration for future generations,” H.H. further added.
‘’On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to my brother, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; my brothers, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates; and to my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; as well as to the officers and members of our Armed Forces; and the people of the UAE, wishing our homeland and our people continued security, stability, progress, and prosperity,” H.H concluded.
