Abu Dhabi: Emiratis, residents and organisations across the country took to social media to salute the UAE’s Armed Forces’ gallantry, spirit of selflessness, willingness to sacrifice, patriotism and preparedness to perform their sacred mission of safeguarding the sovereignty, and strengthening stability and security of the nation.
The massive response also recognised the UAE Armed Forces’ resolve to stand out and to adapt to the latest advancements in armament, technology, organisation, management and training.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, called on all organisations to dedicate the celebrations of January 4th Accession Day to the UAE Armed Forces, asking all individuals and organisations to share a message of thanks and support to the brave sons and daughters of the UAE.
A video posted by the Dubai Media Office, featuring a reading by Shaikh Mohammad and a footage of exercises and parades, was accompanied by a hashtag that translates as ‘guardians of the nation’. It was shared thousands of times on Twitter by Saturday night.
Shaikh Mohammad said: “Thank you, guardians of our nation, for being a shield for the UAE. Thank you for answering the call of duty and for putting the country before yourselves. Thank you for giving us your absolute dedication, time and effort, night and day.”
Shaikh Mohammad said the UAE, under the wise leadership of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has been enjoying years of safety and security, comfort and stability, because of those who sacrifice, “so we can live and prosper”.
“The brave Armed Forces personnel work silently and selflessly to protect every inch of this land, and that’s why they deserve our deepest gratitude and most sincere thanks, ”Shaikh Mohammad said.
Shaikh Mohammad, among the top ten leaders in the world who use Twitter for citizen engagement, wrote: “Our Armed Forces are one of the strongest and most advanced in the region, they are some of the best trained and best equipped, and I need to thank all those involved in such development and improvement, in particular General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for his role in leadership and inspiration, developing and pushing our Armed Forces to be one of the best in the world.”
The campaign comes as the UAE’s Air Force has been engaged in bombing missions against the self-declared Islamic State in Syria and has also lost men in training missions.
The Federal Supreme Council unified the UAE Armed Forces under one flag and one command on May 6, 1976.
In a few years, the Armed Forces developed rapidly into a modern army — well equipped with the latest military equipment and hardware.
The UAE Armed Forces’ positive participation in the defence of the GCC states was particularly praised by UAE’s citizens.
The UAE’s defence industry has come a long way, meeting the needs of the Armed Forces and even exporting equipment to friendly countries. Today, the country manufactures ships, military vehicles, missiles, ammunitions, unmanned aerial vehicles, light arms, aerospace components and weapon systems.
The initiative, which drew an overwhelming response, was part of January 4th Accession Day celebrations, an occasion used by the ruler for the past five years to pay tribute to a segment of society that contributes to the success of the nation.
Previous years have seen Shaikh Mohammad dedicate the occasion to extend his appreciation — tweeted through his Twitter account — towards His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the mothers of the UAE, orphans, and the “unsung heroes and unknown soldiers”, referring to the labour force at large.
