Coalition

On 6 May 1976, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the then Members of the Supreme Council agreed to unify the armed forces under a single banner to become one of the main pillars of the federation.

H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE is the Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The main role of the Armed Forces is defending the nation and contributing to maintaining global peace. The Armed Forces continue the quest of preparing a qualified and capable national cadre, equipped with knowledge and the latest technology.

Military institutions

A number of military institutions have been established to provide military education and knowledge. Some of them are:

• Joint Command and Staff College
• Zayed the Second Military Academy
• Naval College
• Khalifa Air College
• Nursing School
• The Khawla bint Al Azwar Military School (KBAS)
• National Defense College.

Military contributions abroad

Externally, the UAE Armed Forces has been active in supporting other nations and contributing to resolving international crises. These contributions include:

• participating in the operation 'Restoring Hope' in Yemen
• participating in the Arab peacekeeping force in Lebanon
• participating in the Kuwait liberation's 'Operation Desert Storm'
• participating in the 'Operation Hope' in Somalia and 'Operation Helping Hand' in Albania
• participating in a USD 50 million project to clear the mine fields laid by the Israelis in South Lebanon
• helping in the efforts of reconstructing Iraq
• helping survivors of devastating earthquake in Pakistan.

Useful links

• Nation Shield magazine (in Arabic)
• Leaders hail UAE Armed Forces on Unification Day - Khaleej Times