Sheikh Hamdan Reviews UAE Military Readiness at Al Dhafra Base

Sheikh Hamdan Inspects Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, made a strategic visit to Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi to evaluate the preparedness and capabilities of the UAE Armed Forces. This inspection comes at a time when the UAE is reaffirming its commitment to building one of the most advanced and resilient military forces in the region.

During his time at the base, Sheikh Hamdan met with senior defence officials, reviewed technological infrastructure, toured various operational facilities, and expressed deep appreciation for the professionalism and dedication of the military personnel stationed there. His visit was not only symbolic of national pride but also a reflection of the leadership’s continuous focus on strengthening the nation’s defence forces through investment in innovation, training, and localisation of military expertise.

Welcomed by Senior Defence Officials Upon Arrival

As Sheikh Hamdan arrived at Al Dhafra Air Base, he was warmly received by key figures from the UAE defence establishment. Welcoming him were Mohamed Bin Mubarak Bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and Major General Staff Pilot Rashed Mohammed Al Shamsi, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence. The presence of senior officers and defence leaders at the reception reflected the high level of coordination and respect within the military command structure.

This warm reception underscored the importance of the visit as a part of the UAE’s broader national defence strategy. It also reinforced the continuous collaboration between civil leadership and military institutions to enhance defence preparedness and ensure the UAE remains at the forefront of regional security and stability.

Operational Excellence and Discipline in UAE Armed Forces

One of the key messages conveyed by Sheikh Hamdan during the visit was his admiration for the operational excellence demonstrated by the UAE Armed Forces. He specifically noted the strong sense of discipline and precision that defines military life across all branches and units. This discipline, he explained, is a critical component of any nation’s ability to maintain high defence readiness and respond effectively to both conventional and non-conventional threats.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that such operational standards not only safeguard the nation’s borders but also uphold its sovereignty and international reputation. In today’s rapidly changing global defence environment, nations are measured by their ability to integrate efficiency, technology, and human capability—and according to Sheikh Hamdan, the UAE Armed Forces are achieving that balance.

Praise for Technological Advancements and Modern Warfare Integration

Throughout the visit, Sheikh Hamdan repeatedly commended the UAE’s strong focus on integrating the latest defence technologies across various military systems. From advanced radar systems to automated command-and-control platforms, the UAE’s commitment to modernising its defence capabilities was evident in every facility he toured.

He pointed out that the Armed Forces have embraced the latest trends in military innovation, such as artificial intelligence, automation, cyber warfare tools, drone technology, and long-range missile systems. He praised the nation’s strategic investments in these fields, which are crucial for ensuring that the country remains a step ahead of emerging threats in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Sheikh Hamdan’s recognition of this effort signals continued government support for research and development in the defence sector and a push for more public-private partnerships to accelerate innovation.

Acknowledging the Dedication of Military Personnel

Sheikh Hamdan used the visit as an opportunity to speak directly with officers, soldiers, and technical staff across the base. He observed their day-to-day duties and took time to personally thank them for their unwavering commitment to national service.

He noted that the dedication and efficiency he witnessed were a source of national pride. The UAE’s military personnel are not only trained to operate advanced technologies, but they are also instilled with values of patriotism, responsibility, and resilience. Their efforts, Sheikh Hamdan said, are vital in maintaining a secure environment in which the UAE’s progress and prosperity can continue without interruption.

He further emphasised that national security is a shared responsibility that depends on the unity of purpose between leadership, military institutions, and the people of the UAE.

Focus on Continuous Training and Modernisation Strategy

“The advancements in both human and technological capabilities, along with ongoing training and modernisation, prove that our Armed Forces are fully equipped to maintain battlefield superiority and readiness to tackle any challenge, at any time,” Sheikh Hamdan remarked during the visit.

This statement encapsulated the philosophy guiding the UAE’s military growth strategy. Training is a cornerstone of the Armed Forces’ operational model, with regular exercises, simulations, and international collaborations conducted to ensure soldiers and commanders are equipped to handle real-world scenarios.

Modernisation, meanwhile, involves constant upgrades to systems, procurement of state-of-the-art defence hardware, and the incorporation of best practices from allied and partner nations. The goal is to ensure that the UAE military remains among the most capable and well-prepared in the world.

UAE Nationals Leading in Defence Technology and Localisation

Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted a subject close to the UAE’s national development agenda: the role of Emiratis in defence innovation and knowledge localisation. He commended the national workforce for mastering complex military technologies and taking the lead in systems management, maintenance, and development.

He noted that the future of the UAE’s defence capabilities depends on the ability to produce home-grown expertise. Whether in aerospace engineering, data analysis, or cyber defence, young Emiratis are playing an increasingly central role in building sovereign capacity that reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and consultants.

Sheikh Hamdan called on government and educational institutions to continue empowering local talent through scholarships, military academies, and defence research centres to ensure that the UAE’s strategic autonomy is secured for generations to come.

Review of Strategic Facilities and Defence Infrastructure

During the tour of the air base, Sheikh Hamdan visited several command and logistical facilities. He received detailed briefings on the integrated systems used for surveillance, communications, and real-time decision-making. These command-and-control platforms are central to the UAE’s air defence operations and demonstrate the Armed Forces’ readiness to coordinate effectively during both peacetime and crisis.

He also inspected the technical support infrastructure, which includes aircraft hangars, maintenance zones, and supply chain centres that enable rapid deployment and long-term sustainability of air operations. The level of automation and sophistication in these facilities is comparable to some of the most advanced military bases in the world.

Insights from the UAE’s Air Warfare Centre

One of the highlights of Sheikh Hamdan’s visit was his stop at the Air Warfare Centre. There, he was given an in-depth briefing on the Centre’s primary role in missile defence enhancement, aerial combat simulations, and weapons testing protocols. The Centre is regarded as a critical part of the UAE’s broader defence architecture.

It is at the Air Warfare Centre that many of the UAE’s elite pilots and air defence specialists are trained in next-generation warfare. The facility utilises immersive simulation technologies, including virtual reality and AI-based threat analysis, to prepare personnel for a wide array of conflict scenarios.

In his remarks, Sheikh Hamdan praised the Centre’s leadership for its efforts to develop local military doctrine, research, and innovation. He said the Centre’s mission aligns with the country’s ambition to become a global leader in advanced air warfare capabilities.

Encouragement for Continued Excellence and Innovation

Before departing the base, Sheikh Hamdan took a moment to commend the Air Force and Air Defence teams for their dedication and excellence. He acknowledged their role in upholding the UAE’s values of courage, unity, and resilience. He also expressed his appreciation for their service in defending not just geographical borders, but also the values and future of the nation.

His visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the UAE’s strategic goal: to maintain one of the most technologically advanced, professionally trained, and operationally ready armed forces in the world.