UAE CADET PASSES OUT WITH HONOURS FROM THE ELITE SANDHURST ACADEMY
Ahmed Al Mazrui is presented with accolade by Jordan’s King Abdullah II during ceremony at military academy
It was a proud day for the UAE as one of its officer cadets graduated with honours from Britain’s Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst.
Ahmed Al Mazrui, 23, was on Friday presented with the international sword, awarded for excellence, by Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
Watching in the crowd was his twin sister, Shamma Al Mazrui, the Minister of State for Youth.
Ms Al Mazrui was joined by her father, uncle and other UAE dignitaries, as she watched Sandhurst’s newly graduated officers complete their passing out ceremony.
Mr Al Mazrui was one of five UAE cadets who graduated from Sandhurst on Friday, continuing a long association with the military college.
He was the only Emirati among eight officer cadets to receive formal recognition for excellence after a year of training.
The academy’s sovereign’s parade is a day of tradition and pageantry, displaying the precision associated with its reputation.
After a rain-soaked rehearsal on Wednesday, those taking part were relieved to see the clouds give way to blue skies and brilliant sunshine for the ceremony.
King Abdullah was there to represent Queen Elizabeth and to witness the graduation of his own son, crown prince Hussein.
The event gave him the opportunity to reflect on his own days at Sandhurst, which he attended in the late 1980s.
“It is not the first time I have had the privilege to attend sovereign’s parade,” King Abdullah said. “Many years ago, I was a cadet standing where you are now.
“The memories of that day have stayed with me, making it a distinct pleasure to address today’s cadets and academy staff, their families, friends and distinguished guests who join us.
“My first-hand experience also allows me to have a fair idea of what is occupying the minds of those present.
“The commandant and the staff are thinking: ‘well, it has been a great day, so far.’ They are hoping my speech does not rain on the parade.
“The graduating cadets are thinking: ‘hurry it up along, sir’. They want to get up those steps. The parents are thinking: ‘no, do not rush the tributes to our sons and daughters’.
“Nothing could be a prouder moment for the families and friends of these fine cadets. And I should know. My son Hussein is one of them.”
While acknowledging the ceremony’s impressive display of military pageantry, he reminded spectators of the foundations on which it was based.
“The rest of us must not forget what lies behind this impressive performance,” King Abdullah said. “That is, the iron self-discipline and the mutual support on which great soldiering depends.
“Nowhere is this taught more effectively than here. Because, as a Sandhurst soldier recognises, one cannot lead unless one serves.
“You young officers have chosen a noble career of service. Wherever you go and whatever challenges you will face, you will stand as examples of duty, honour and resolve.”
Reminding the newly graduated officers of their “huge and at times daunting responsibilities”, he told them they must strive to be the best.
“Always act in a way you can be proud of,” he said. “Not every day will be a good one. You will not win every battle.
“But however many times you get knocked down in life, you can and must get up again. In this profession of ours, you are now where the buck stops.
“You are graduating because people believed in you. You must now believe in yourself and rise to the challenges ahead. However difficult, do what is right, be confident in what your instructors have taught you and take strength from your family and faith.”
The king’s address was met with rapturous applause. And in the spectator stands, the pride was palpable among the UAE contingent.
Sulaiman Al Mazroui, the UAE Ambassador to the UK, described it as a proud day for the country.
“Five of our cadets graduated today and cadet Ahmed Al Mazrui was awarded the sword,” Mr Al Mazroui said.
“It really makes me proud as an ambassador here and makes us feel proud to have a citizen who can actually attend such a great, well-reputed academy and graduate with flying colours.”
He said the event had the added bonus of strengthening ties between the UAE and UK, particularly where the military is concerned.
“We have been together for a long time, on all kinds of aspects – military, economy, political areas. On the military side there are stronger ties between the two countries and they are growing as time passes.
“Long may these strong relations between our two countries continue.”