Abu Dhabi: Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces.
It was on this day — May 6 — in 1976, that the decision was made to unify the UAE's armed forces.
The historic change was the ultimate in the push at the time towards integrating the country's establishments and government departments.
The decision triggered the armed forces' march towards progress.
It also strengthened the Federation, and helped to develop and upgrade the armed forces in terms of its size, training, supplies, organisation and weaponry.
The anniversary is a chance to remember the wise step taken by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan with his brothers, Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, to unify the armed forces for a sublime goal: to defend the UAE and its national achievements.
The unification of the UAE armed forces was also a giant leap that helped the nation strengthen its regional and international presence.
The unification decision also unleashed a comprehensive process to bring in state-of-the-art weaponry and acquire the most modern military field skills.
The UAE's armed forces have succeeded in adopting modern defence systems and technologies in a relatively short period of time, thanks to their diligence and determination to keep up to date with developments.
In doing so, the armed forces have become one of the most advanced in the world and a vehicle for human and economic development.
On this occasion, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that the UAE's founding fathers shaped the doctrine of the armed forces guided by the values of faith, belonging, loyalty, sacrifice and pride.
In a speech to Dira' Al Watan magazine on the 34th Anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, Shaikh Khalifa said this doctrine was based on righteous convictions, protecting these beliefs, and defending the country and its values against all possible aggression.
The president added that this doctrine focused on the application of law, the respect for others and their rights, and ensuring national sovereignty, pride and dignity.
Shaikh Khalifa asserted that the UAE armed forces' participation in international peacekeeping efforts in more than one location was a result of these principles.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also gave a speech to Dira' Al Watan magazine.
Shaikh Mohammad said the structure of the UAE federation would not have been completed without a common defence policy, under the command of a united national army.
Evolution
Shaikh Mohammad also said he had the honour to see over the past 34 years the evolution of the armed forces, how the dream turned into a reality and the seed grew into a big fruitful tree.
He also renewed allegiance to Shaikh Khalifa and paid tribute to him for his unstinting care and support for the advancement of the armed forces, to become one of the most competent and sophisticated armies in the region and the world at large.
General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on this occasion said the decision to unify the armed forces was the starting point of a new era in the UAE's army.
The decision set forces in motion to develop, modernise and strengthen the armed forces.
