“Unification of our Armed Forces is a Milestone in our Glorious Union March”

H.E. Ali Mohammed Bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Chairman of ICA’s Board of Directors, stressed that the unification of UAE Armed Forces was not a mere event or step, that takes place overnight, but it was rather the starting point and a substantial stride in the history of our beloved nation. Furthermore, Al Shamsi highlighted that this decision was a historic milestone in giving an impetus to the development march of the glorious Union, a cornerstone in building a national army that undertakes the protection and safeguarding of UAE interests, advocates its achievements and defends its well-established and genuine principles and values.

During his remarks on the 42nd anniversary of the Armed Forces Unification Day, Al Shamsi reiterated that the founding fathers, led by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, realized since the very beginning of the Union that laying its solid foundations would require a resilient shield safeguarding its territories against its enemies, and providing both Emiratis and residents with a source of reassurance and a secure and stable living environment. It would also have the strong will and potentials to drawback risks and perils that jeopardize nation’s integrity and stability, so they determined to strive for establishing a unified national army under one banner that reports for duty together with confronting their homeland’s crouching enemies.

“Following the unification decision, our armed forces have stepped for new stages and prospects in respect of building and developing its structures, while

maintaining professionalism and keeping pace with cutting-edge defense and military technologies, thus reaching a highly-qualified and advanced army,’ said H.E. Al Shamsi while highlighting its rush for duty in all fields, based on the deeply instilled faith in Allah and belonging and loyalty to the beloved nation, along with exerted sacrifices to safeguard its territories and established values, and also driven by loyalty to the wise leadership, thus following the holy teachings of Quran, “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” (4:59)

Moreover, Al Shamsi paid tributes to the fundamental role undertaken by the armed force in the development and comprehensive renaissance observed by UAE in different aspects of life. Always, the armed forces have generously invested its potentials and capabilities to strengthen and support development projects, with an eye on providing proper living conditions together with the welfare of its nationals across homeland.

“UAE’s army poses the finest examples of heroism and dedication whether within or outside the nation, and it has never delayed in answering the call of duty and honor, safeguarding its territorial integrity, supporting the oppressed and the downtrodden and redressing them, preserving peace and stability among its human fellows, providing help and humanitarian relief to the disaster-stricken as well as the vital contributions to reconstruction efforts across the globe,” notes H.E whilst highlighting the true humanitarian role embedded in the army, that was founded on the pillars of good, giving, heroism and championship.

During the occasion, Al Shamsi paid heed to the sacrifices of our armed forces, the epitome of glory and dignity, who pledged to use their utmost endeavors,

and sacrificed their souls to form a resilient blockade while consolidating the nation’s front-line role. “They advocated the glory of our homeland and the future of its forthcoming generations,” added Al Shamsi, praying to Almighty Allah to have mercy on the martyrs’ souls and to grant them eternal peace in Heaven for what they have generously made for their homeland and nation.

In this occasion, H.E. Ali Mohammed Bin Hammad Al Shamsi congratulated President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (may Allah protect him); His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces; and Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, praying to Almighty Allah to protect UAE army, and lead it to meritorious successes in all fields.