Air and defence forces celebrate unification

The forces use the occasion to show their worth to citizens

Top officers and the Crown Prince of Dubai attend parade to mark the integration of the nation’s air defence and air force wings 38 years ago,

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, watched a parade at Al Minhad Air Base in Dubai held yesterday to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the unification of the UAE’S Air Force and Air Defence.

During the celebration, Maj Gen Staff Pilot Mohammed bin Suwaidan Saeed Al Qamzi, the Air Force and Defence Commander, said the two forces were in a high state of readiness and able to perform efficiently and effectively.

He vowed to help the forces move forward to achieve greater accomplishments to protect the gains of “the country and to maintain its security, sovereignty and stability”. Former Maj Gen Khalid Al Bu Ainnain said the celebrations showcased the Air Force and Air Defence and showed citizens that they were important to the country.

“It helps to increase their patriot- ism and to show that the greatest investment is in the people,” he said. “Weapons and technology can be bought by money, but not men.”

He said members of the Air Force and Air Defence units typically celebrated with their family and friends on the day.

“They show them what they do, what weapons they use,” he said. “This day is important for them to show them that they are not any more special, but are one with society.”