MILESTONES OF UAE ARMED FORCES
1973
UAE Armed Forces participate in Egyptian war against Israel
1976
Part of an Arab peacekeeping force in Lebanon when it was hit by a civil war
1991
Join GCC and international coalition forces to liberate Kuwait from Iraq
1999
Set up camp for thousands of Kosovo refugees displaced by war in Albania
2003
Join peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan as part of a global war against terror
2014
Join international coalition against Daesh in Syria and other Arab countries
2015
Part of Saudi-led Operation Decisive Storm (now Restoring Hope) in Yemen
May, 6 1976, is an important milestone in the UAE’s journey, and a qualitative leap that embodies the deep strategic vision of the country’s founding fathers, said the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on the occasion of 42nd anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces,
Speaking to the military journal, ‘Nation Shield’, Sheikh Khalifa stated that the UAE Armed Forces have demonstrated a great ability to absorb new technologies and systems, enabling them to achieve a high level of efficiency, readiness and preparedness.
“A unified and highly-qualified army is a source of reassurance, and a fundamental component in building the state and deepening the values of belonging to the homeland and loyalty to the leadership.”
Sheikh Khalifa highlighted the importance of the development of the country’s armed forces to be well organised, highly trained and receiving comprehensive care and attention from the country’s leadership, adding that this is a constant commitment that represents the national priority.
Excerpts of the President’s statement:
“My sons, commanders, officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of our valiant armed forces,
As our country celebrates the 42nd anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, we salute and express our great and sincere pride and appreciation for the efforts and the sacrifices you have made, including in elevating the capabilities of our armed forces, defending the homeland and safeguarding the achievements of its people, which, as a result, has become an oasis of security and stability, a model of development and prosperity.
May 6th, 1976, is an important milestone in our journey, and a qualitative leap that embodies the deep strategic vision of our fathers, and was when they realised the importance of a unified national army in building and consolidating the state as a single and highlyqualified army.
A unified army is a source of reassurance and a fundamental component in building the state and deepening the values of belonging to the homeland and loyalty to the leadership.
Following the footsteps of our founding fathers, we continue to support the development of our armed forces, through ensuring its well organised, supplying modern armament, and providing high training and comprehensive care, which is a constant commitment that represents one of our top national priorities. Our armed forces have demonstrated a great ability to absorb new technologies and systems, enabling them to achieve a high level of efficiency, readiness and preparedness.
My sons and daughters, We are proud of you. You have contributed strongly to the preservation of peace, security and stability of the homeland, and you have sacrificed your lives in preserving regional and international peace, and you contributed effectively in joint military exercises with a number of sisterly and friendly countries.
On this anniversary, which coincides with our country’s celebration of the ‘Year of Zayed’, we pray to Allah Almighty to have mercy on the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and on his brothers, the co-founders of the Union, who laid the solid foundations of this strong national army. We also pray to Almighty Allah to have mercy on the martyrs’ souls and to grant them eternal peace in heaven, and to bless their families with comfort and solace.” —
You have contributed strongly to the preservation of peace and stability of the homeland...and for international peace.” Sheikh Khalifa