Leaders hail UAE Armed Forces on Unification Day

The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, paid glowing tributes to the Federal Supreme Council, led by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, on its historic resolution to unify the UAE Armed Forces 38 years ago.

The Federal Supreme Council had unified the UAE Armed Forces under one flag and one command on May 6, 1976. Shaikh Khalifa called the historic resolution a “springboard to the future”, while Shaikh Mohammed hailed the “deep loyalty, sincerity and high preparedness” of the armed forces personnel. General Shaikh Mohammed said the unification has since then “strengthened the concept of union” in the minds and hearts of Emiratis.

Full text of the President’s statement

The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has hailed the decision of the founding fathers, then members of the Federal Supreme Council, to unify the UAE Armed Forces under one flag and one command, on the May 6, 1976.

He told Diraa Al Watan in a statement on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, that the historic resolution was a springboard to the future. Shaikh Khalifa stressed that “the unification of the armed forces provided the material and moral support to our armed forces.”

Following is the full text of the speech:

Sons and daughters, members of our Armed Forces, Officers and non-commissioned officers and personnel,

Al Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu, “Peace Be Upon You”

“Today, we hail with pride the 38th anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces and all the achievements that we have attained since May 6, 1976. Our late founding fathers, then Members of the Federal Supreme Council, had taken a historic decision to unify the UAE Armed Forces under one flag and one command in order to defend the gains of the homeland.

The unification was triggered by the political interest and the popular will. It is a landmark in the history of the armed forces, as it provided material capabilities and moral support, enabling it to take rapid and remarkable steps in changing the armed forces into an integrated modern army to keep in pace with the highest international standards. In a few years, our armed forces developed rapidly into a modern army - well equipped with the latest military equipment and hardware. Above all, it has become an army capable of shouldering its responsibilities, as its personnel have devoted their lives for the sake of the nation. They did not spare their blood to keep the UAE ‘s flag high, thanks to their skills and expertise, as well as local and international achievements.

Since their establishment, our Armed Forces have been keen on working with all institutions in the country to ensure the sustainability of comprehensive development. They cooperate with the regional and international powers to serve just causes and alleviate human suffering, internally and externally. The Armed Forces have succeeded to paint a prestigious and honourable image that reflects Emirati social values in the rightful use of force to achieve justice. The appropriate use of power establishes the country’s bright image that ensures security and safety.

The UAE Armed Forces’ positive participation in the defence system of the GCC states is another sound demonstration of its high level, which reassures us that our national defence is in the right hands.

The protection of the country, preserving its independence, sovereignty and achievements are the sacred national duties on the shoulder of every citizen. The constitutional institutions in the country have endorsed national and reserve service for all Emiratis. This aims at instilling loyalty and a sense of belonging among the youth to boost nationalist values, discipline, participation and sacrifice. The service would further develop readiness and the ability to meet challenges of present and future as well as contributing positively to the national development process.

“Our brave soldiers,

On this glorious occasion, we renew our confidence in you and your ability to discharge this vital role for the sake of our country and citizens. We reaffirm our pride in you and your precious sacrifices for the homeland. We also emphasise that our armed forces will remain the shield that protects our country and safeguards its sovereignty. And while we appreciate this, we ask you to move steadily forward to discharging this noble duty for the sake of the homeland.”

Al Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu “ Peace Be upon You”

Full text of the statement of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Dear brothers, sons, officers and soldiers of the UAE Armed Forces,

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you,

I salute you on the day of our Armed Forces. I salute you for your gallantry, your profound loyalty, your sincere patriotism and your preparedness to perform your sacred mission of safeguarding sovereignty and strengthening stability and security of our country.

I salute your spirit of selflessness, your willingness to sacrifice and your resolve to stand out and to adapt to the latest in the armament, technology, organisation, management and training.

Dear officers and soldiers,

As we celebrate the 38th anniversary of the decision to unify our Armed Forces, we also celebrate our national achievements in all fields. The building of our Armed Forces is a living example of the wisdom and vision of the founding fathers generation and the empowerment generation. The seeds of development planted by the nation builder and leader the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan are bearing fruits today in the form of schools, factories, hospitals, infrastructures and importantly, messages of peace and commitment to the common destiny we share with the whole world.

Dear officers and soldiers,

This year’s celebration has a special significance as we prepare to implement the compulsory military service for our male youth, which will be optional for women.

For years, the compulsory military service programme was high on our national action agenda. It was also evident through the ‘Bayariq’ educational programme in the secondary schools which covered military education, police sciences and cognitive skills. We relied on our experience and on the right time for the implementation of the decision which was well received by all people of the UAE. The phrase ‘Absher ya Watan’ or ‘Hail the motherland’ which went viral among the youth of the country was yet another proof of our mature community and of the belief among the citizens that serving one’s country is an honour and defending one’s country is a moral commitment for all citizens.

I am confident that our youth will passionately race to enlist to demonstrate their love to their country and their allegiance to the leaders. They will join the Armed Forces to acquire new skills that will add their knowledge, shape their character, enhance their self-confidence and increase their stamina for, military service is a school for bravery, discipline, responsibility, decision making, time management and teamwork.

Dear officers and soldiers,

Modernisation of the Armed Forces has always factored in our approach for national action. The military service programme will help strengthen the structure and capabilities of our Armed Forces as we continue to sustain our principles for peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness.

I am particularly proud that our Armed Forces has become a key incubator for development and progress in building capabilities and in laying the foundation for advanced defence manufacturing industries, paving the way for technology transfer and eventually, for the Emiratisation of technology, promoting Research and Development, contributing to economic diversification drive and accelerating the transition from conventional to knowledge-based economy.

The 1976 dream of the founding father the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of an Emirati defence industry is coming true under the leadership of the President and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Our defence industry has come a long way, by meeting the needs of our Armed Forces and even exporting to brotherly and friendly countries. Today, we manufacture ships, military vehicles, missiles, ammunitions, UAVs, light arms, aerospace components and weapon systems.

This success in defence manufacturing complements our success in other areas of developments and adds to our capabilities. The history has always taught us that Armed Forces play a pioneering role in progress and that scientific research, innovation, discovery and inventions are usually triggered by national defence necessities. Examples here include computer, information technology, Internet, satellites, fire optics, jet fighters, submarines and nuclear energy.

As we witness the emergence of home-grown advanced defence industries, we must extend thanks to the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who leads the Armed Forces modernisation drive and to General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who closely follows up implementation of manufacturing and Emirati capability building strategies and plans. I would like also to thank our sons and daughters engaged in managing and operating national manufacturing facilities.

Dear officers and soldiers,

You and all sons and daughters of the UAE have been tested by the time, events and challenges and you overcame the challenges by remaining loyal to your leadership and by working hard to serve your country. With you, we have succeeded in presenting a shining example, emanating from our belief that they key to good governance is to seek to serve the interest of the people to ensure their prosperity and happiness and to realise security, stability and safety of our country and its ability to confront threats and to deal with the worst.

The strong bond of trust between the leaders and citizens has enabled us to move along the path of comprehensive development, relying on the vision, strategies, values, heritage and openness to changes.

Dear officers and soldiers,

I urge you and all Emiratis to strengthen your determination and to boost your positive energy to reach the top as the country’s strengths is measure by its people who are the real power behind achievements.

You know that the only option for us is to continue adding to our achievements and of course, we have the right to be proud of what we have accomplished so far, and to be happy that country is leading the ranks in all human and economic development and competitiveness indicators. We should always bear in mind that what we have accomplished is the past and the real value is on what we can do today and tomorrow because of the fact that life does not stop and that he who is lazy, hesitant, scared and submissive gets left behind. On the other hand, life rewards the ambitious, hard workers, and those who are driven by initiative and excellence.

Dear officers and soldiers,

Tomorrow is another day with another tasks, challenges and dreams.

We will do all we can and we will walk to the future, using our own Emirati recipe for success and success we shall make as we are blessed with a leader who has a clear vision. We move ahead, inspired by the teachings of the Holy Quran and of our Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him.

Wam

Speech of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed

General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has paid a glowing tribute to the Federal Supreme Council, led by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, on its historic resolution to unify the UAE Armed Forces on 6th May, 1976.

Following is the full text of the speech:

“6th of May, 1976, the day of unification of the UAE Armed Forces, represents the launch-pad for the comprehensive development being witnessed by the UAE, as well as for the strategic dimension and future of our dear country. The historic decision taken by the Federal Supreme Council led by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the unification of the armed forces under one command and one flag, set the solid foundation for the concept of union that had been instilled in the minds and hearts of Emiratis.

The founding fathers, who had faith that the union was the sole path for development and progress in all fields, believed that the UAE needed a force to protect its achievements and sovereignty and prepare educated patriotic national cadres to defend it.

We observe each year the anniversary of the unification of UAE Armed Forces amid new achievements in terms of armaments, training and military technology. This year’s celebration comes in the wake of the Federal National Council’s (FNC) resolution on the national and reserve service law. The new law will provide the armed forces with more national cadres. It will also boost the allegiance of the youth to the country and polish their capabilities and skills through military service, as they will acquire more ability to tackle difficulties and challenges.

The resolution will also push forward the development process in the UAE, as the skills to be acquired by Emiratis during the military service will benefit them in practical life.

I’m confident that Emiratis are ready for military service and to sacrifice anytime and anywhere. They have demonstrated that through our history and the region. This is why they reacted positively to the FNC resolution on the national and reserves law. Even many Emiratis who had exceeded the specified age have asked that they should have honour of joining the service. The youth are the hope of and the makers of the future, as no country can achieve development and progress except through the educated youth who love their country, pledge loyalty to the leadership and are ready to heed the call for duty anytime and anywhere. Of course, this sums up the status of our Emirati youth.

The anniversary of Unification Day evokes the first years of the Union and how the late Shaikh Zayed and his brothers, members of the Federal Supreme Council of Rulers of the Emirates, had tackled difficulties with courage and a strong will to take the historic decision. It also relates the story of the development phases of the armed forces.

We appreciate the self-denial and role of the first military batches who implemented the wise vision of the leadership in merging the armed forces. The armed forces witnessed in the first years of the Union huge qualitative developments at all levels. This legacy has been revamped by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by providing whatever it takes to keep our armed forces at the level of world armed forces in terms of armaments, training and others.

The support for the armed forces is unlimited. It is the protective shield for the country, the symbol of its glory and the title of its image. It has proven to be a force to be reckoned with for regional stability and security, as it backs brothers in need. The UAE is always on the side of truth and extends a hand to whatever will ensure world peace and stability. It rejects all forms of threats or aggression, and calls for resolving all conflicts by dialogue and amicable methods.

On this occasion, we reiterate our commitment to keep the UAE flag high and the country united and protected by our armed forces and all citizens. I seize this opportunity to congratulate the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; Their Highnesses Rulers of Emirates and the Members of Supreme Council, the UAE Armed Forces and all Emiratis .”