Catch live military action today at Abu Dhabi Corniche

Abu Dhabi - People will get front-row exposure to sophisticated, sea-borne hostage rescue including helicopters, F16s and tactical submarines.

For Abu Dhabi residents who have watched high-octane military action on screen, Thursday will be a crossover from reel to real life.
Union Fortress, a live show at 4.30pm by the UAE Armed Forces will give the general public a first-of-its-kind action-packed demonstration on Abu Dhabi Corniche.
People will get front-row exposure to sophisticated, sea-borne hostage rescue including helicopters, F16s and tactical submarines.
Live soldier-point-of-view video of the action will be showcased on stadium screens as the tactical hostage rescue unfolds directly in front of the public.
The maritime and airborne operations will be followed by actions on and around the Corniche.
The joint exercise combines all the branches of the UAE Armed Forces, focusing on the highly-trained rapid-response force of the Presidential Guard as the ground force, supported by the Joint Aviation Command, Navy, Air Force, Air Defence, Army and Elite UAE Special Forces.
The UAE Armed Forces spokesperson said the 'Union Fortress' is recognition of the core unity, values and strength of the Armed Forces.
"The event highlights the world-class tactical and strategic professionalism of our brave men and women in uniform as they confront a very real potential maritime threat. Spectators will be afforded a window into the commitment, capabilities and pride our Armed Forces show every day in safeguarding the nation's security, underpinning the development of an inclusive, tolerant and prosperous society," the spokesperson said.
In the past few days, military sound effects can be heard around the Corniche as helicopters, fighter jets, armoured carriers and fast attack boats rehearse for D-Day.
Watch out
'Union Fortress' demonstration includes a high-altitude, low-opening (HALO) military freefall jump from an aircraft into the corniche, a submarine inserting highly-trained special forces, a rapid maritime assault, helicopters carrying snipers on over-watch, all supported by F16s offering close-air-support in a dramatic flyby.
Road closure in Abu Dhabi on Thursday
Traffic will be affected on Thursday as the UAE Armed Forces will hold 'Union Fortress' - a live military demonstration at the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
The partial closure will be in place from 3 pm to 6 pm as the military action starts from 4.30 pm. General public interested in catching the UAE Armed Forces in action is advised to enter the Corniche well in advance. 
The Corniche will be closed from both directions - 18^th Street that heads to Marina Mall and Mubarak bin Mohammed Street next to Family Park, according to a tweet by the Safety and Traffic Solutions Committee.
Also, the Abu Dhabi Theatre Road on the Marina Mall Breakwater will also be closed that also homes Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club.
Traffic will be diverted on two alternative roads - Sultan bin Zayed the First Street and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street.
Moreover, park and ride service will be available from Umm Al Emarat Park from 2pm.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi