President Sheikh Mohamed praises Dubai Ruler's grandson after military success

UAE leader meets Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Abu Dhabi

President Sheikh Mohamed greets, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, grandson of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, during a Sea Palace barza. Photo: Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

The President praised Sheikh Mohammed for his graduation from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK this month. Photo: Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohammed was awarded the International Sword, an honour given to the best cadet following the British military academy’s gruelling 44-week course. Photo: Omar Askar / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Photo: Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid also received the International Award for achieving the best overall results in military, academic and practical studies. Photo: Omar Askar / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. Photo: Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed on Tuesday hailed the military accomplishments of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid, grandson of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, during a meeting in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE leader praised him for his graduation from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK this month, where he received the International Sword.

The accolade is given to the best overseas cadet at the academy following a gruelling 44-week course. The member of the Dubai ruling family is only the fourth UAE recipient of the prize. Sheikh Mohammed was also ranked best in class for academic and applied military studies, becoming the first Emirati to be granted both honours.

The gathering, at Qasr Al Bahr in the capital, was held in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, was also in attendance along with a number of other leading ministers and sheikhs and senior officials.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his pride in Sheikh Mohammed along with all Emiratis who represent their country with distinction. He said his efforts served to highlight the abilities of the country's youth.

Sheikh Hamdan attends Sandhurst ceremony - in pictures

Sheikh Mohammed conveyed his gratitude to the President, saying his words of encouragement would spur him on to strive for further success.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid had previously congratulated his grandson on his graduation during a meeting at the Al Marmoom Rest House in Dubai.

The latest graduation follows a decades-long tradition of Middle Eastern rulers and royals attending the institution.

President Sheikh Mohamed also attended, as did his son, Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed. Sheikh Hamdan graduated alongside Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed 18 years ago. The late King Hussein of Jordan, King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Hussein are also former graduates.