UAE President attends Union Fortress military parade on Yas Island

Sheikh Mohamed praises readiness of nation's armed forces

President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, in Yas Island for the Union Fortress 9 military parade. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

A drill taking place at the Union Fortress military parade. Abu Dhabi Media Office

Sheikh Mohamed watches the event on Yas Island alongside Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, and Maj Gen Mike Hindmarsh, Commander of the UAE Presidential Guard. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with Sheikh Tahnoon and Maj Gen Hindmarsh. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court

A plane flies overhead at the Union Fortress military parade. Abu Dhabi Media Office

Sheikh Mohamed attends the military parade with senior officials including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed attended Sunday's Union Fortress military parade, which was organised by the Ministry of Defence on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

The parade, in its ninth year, showcased an array of armed forces units and formations, each demonstrating their high state of readiness and advanced defensive capabilities, state news agency Wam reported.

The live demonstrations included mock-up combat scenarios designed to showcase the abilities of the armed forces in challenging conditions.

Sheikh Mohamed praised the “high readiness of the Armed Forces and security forces, the advanced level of their members and units, and the sophisticated capabilities they possess”, Wam said.

“The armed forces have faithfully guarded the UAE's developmental journey for decades and will continue to be a symbol of the nation's resilience and honour,” he said.

The parade was attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra region; and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain region.

Also in attendance were Mohammed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs and Lt Gen Issa Al Mazrouei, chief of staff of the Armed Forces.