The military cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain stands as one of the region’s most distinguished models—rooted in deep historical ties, a unified vision, and a shared sense of destiny and strategic purpose.
This enduring partnership was powerfully reflected in the execution of the joint military exercise “Rabdan–Shuyman”, hosted by Bahrain in November. The exercise was marked by the esteemed presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, alongside His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Their attendance sent a clear message: the bonds between the two nations continue to grow stronger, more resilient, and more firmly anchored in a future of enhanced cooperation, integration, and strategic alignment.
This collaboration represents an essential pillar of the collective defence framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Joint military action remains a vital component in strengthening deterrence, reinforcing trust, and deepening security coordination among GCC member states and their regional partners. The “Rabdan–Shuyman” exercise further underscores the commitment of both leaderships to promoting regional peace, safeguarding national achievements, and preserving the stability that the region enjoys.
Through this exercise, the UAE Armed Forces and their Bahraini counterparts demonstrated high levels of readiness, professionalism, and the ability to employ advanced knowledge, expertise, and technology across diversified operational environments. Their performance reflects a continuous development journey guided by forward-looking leadership that believes in investing in capable personnel and in building a modern, adaptive military institution.
The relationship between the UAE and Bahrain extends well beyond military cooperation. It is founded on deep fraternal ties and shared values. The “Rabdan–Shuyman” exercise adds a new chapter to a long history of fruitful bilateral work and reaffirms the two nations’ steadfast commitment to supporting regional security and fulfilling shared national aspirations.
