UNIFYING THE FORCES

In this chapter, Sheikh Mohammed talks about efforts to bring the UAE Armed Forces under one banner. I felt that I accomplished my mission, he says

One of the greatest and most important achievements that I am proud of was unifying the military forces of the Emirates.

It was a sensitive mission, yet very essential. It was very hard, yet the spirit of the soldiers made it tangible.

Each emirate had its private defence forces and we had only five years to gather them under one flag. I set the plan for that, and Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid approved it. Then, all our military units worked on it with full loyalty.

In 1974, I issued a decision as the defence minister to change the name of the military forces to the Federal Armed Forces as well as changing the symbol and the flag.

The circumstances in our region, especially the Arab–Israeli conflict, were imposing an atmosphere of instability, and always pushed us towards establish- ing an Arab force to support our brothers in their fight against our enemies.

The historic day was on May 6, 1976. After that, I felt that I have accomplished the mission and delivered my promise.

It was the day when a decree was issued to gather all military forces in Abu Dhabi, and it was headed by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. That day, the president became the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. He also selected me again as the defence minister.

The military flag was unified as well as the military costumes. The mission I worked on since 1968 was accomplished.

I felt that day, that I have done my duty, and established the power to protect my country.

I contributed in making a strong country that would never be stopped by any enemy and will reach its dreams.

In what he is calling his “incomplete biography”, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has broken his latest book, Qissati (My Story), into 50 chapters, narrating 50 stories in his 50 years of serving the nation. Khaleej Times got a signed copy of the book from the Dubai Ruler and everyday, we will be featuring excerpts from each of the 50 chapters.

I contributed in making a strong country that would never be stopped by any enemy and will reach its dreams. ”