May 6, 1976 will remain an immortal day in the history of the United Arab Emirates. On this day, the armed forces were united under one leadership and one flag, five years after the founding saga, which opened the way towards progress, prosperity and development, and the realization of the aspirations of the people of the state on the path of pride and honor. This pivotal step confirmed the continuous progress of the state’s journey, and that all of its people have the heart of one man, working to strengthen the bonds of the union, consolidate its pillars, and raise its structure, so that it may rise majestic and lofty, keeping everyone under its shadow, and so that the feeling of security and safety extends to every corner of the country.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, described the unification of the armed forces as “the most important and influential national event in our modern history, after the decision to establish the Union State on December 2, 1971,” as that was a historic decision. An indication that the idea of the union has reached its full completion, in preparation for bringing the country to the status it deserves, united behind a leader whose example is rarely spared, namely the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him.
The UAE Armed Forces have taken giant steps and achieved remarkable successes in protecting the nation’s sovereignty, land, and capabilities, and deterring all aspirants and lurkers. No achievement of this kind would have been possible without the first step, which is unifying the armed forces, and so the day the armed forces were unified It represents the solid foundation upon which all subsequent military achievements were built, and they would not have been possible without this historic decision.
The interest in this dear memory on the part of the state’s leadership and its various institutions, and on the part of citizens of all age groups, reflects an advanced awareness of its major implications and meanings, as everyone participates in celebrating the armed forces, and races to express their appreciation for those affiliated with it, and their pride in its sons, who have affirmed in all situations that they They are able to fully carry out all the tasks assigned to them, no matter how difficult or dangerous, based on unwavering loyalty to the homeland and its wise leadership, and a willingness to willingly lay down their lives in the arenas of honor and glory. The armed forces have received praise and admiration from the most famous major military academic institutions in the world. In all joint training and exercises, the performance of the countrymen was a source of appreciation and respect, as is the case in joint military operations with other countries, most of which have a long military history and exceptional capabilities.
In all situations, the members of the armed forces were honorable models of courage, competence, discipline, and endurance, and dealt with the most difficult situations with awareness, wisdom, and high professionalism. There is no doubt that these characteristics acquired by members of the armed forces from the country are based, firstly, on the clarity of the strategic vision of the wise leadership, and its provision of all conditions that help provide them with all the capabilities and skills required by their tasks, and keeping pace with rapid technological developments and the latest theories, opinions and ideas in the field. Military sciences, through a distinguished system of national military schools and colleges that rely on the best curricula and preparation and qualification plans, and are taught by elites selected from among the most qualified military experts, leaders and specialists.
Within a few years, the state succeeded in building major national institutions and companies for military manufacturing, provided the armed forces with locally advanced weapon systems, and carved out a place for itself among the arms export companies in the world. This helped ensure the independence of the UAE Armed Forces’ decisions under various circumstances. On this great national occasion, we extend our congratulations to the wise leadership of the UAE, renewing its pledge of loyalty and obedience, and to all members of the armed forces who watch over the security and safety of the nation, and to all the people of the Emirates, as they set the most wonderful examples of the coalition of hearts under the “United House.”
*Issued by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research.
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