Throughout history, there are milestones that pave the way for new directions and decisions that shape the future of nations, their identity, and their standing among others.
On this day in 1976, the decision to unify the UAE Armed Forces marked a pivotal moment, embodying the vision of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and of his fellow leaders. They believed that unity creates strength, and that security and stability are foundational to the nation’s growth and leadership. This move heralded a new phase of power and stability, as the UAE established the bedrock for a national military capable of protecting the country’s interests.
Today, 49 years after that historic transformation, the armed forces stand tall as a model of strength, discipline and professionalism, and a pillar of support for the national development journey. They are now a regional and global force, with high levels of readiness, technological advancement, and leadership in developing defence and security capabilities.
In a world where power dynamics are shifting, and both conventional and non-conventional threats are on the rise, the armed forces have proved to be a comprehensive defence system capable of keeping pace with military and technological developments and responding to challenges. Their vision extends beyond merely defending the country’s borders, having built a deterrent force that ensures regional security and contributes to international stability.
This achievement would not have been possible without continuous investment in human and technological capabilities. The UAE understood from the outset that building a strong force does not rely solely on having the latest equipment and systems, but also on developing minds, training personnel and instilling a culture of military innovation. This forward-looking vision has positioned the armed forces at the forefront, making it a model to follow in the integration of human resources and modern technologies.
The founding fathers believed that unity creates strength, and that security and stability are foundational to the nation’s growth and leadership
Stemming from this vision, the role of Tawazun Council is crucial as a strategic partner in enabling the armed forces to achieve their goals. By supporting the growth of an integrated defence ecosystem, Tawazun contributes to enhancing technological self-dependence, fostering innovation and facilitating knowledge transfer. Developing an advanced defence industrial base has become a strategic necessity to ensure that the armed forces are continuously equipped with the latest solutions and systems.
Tawazun’s commitment goes beyond providing the best defence solutions; it extends to sustaining an advanced national industry that contributes to the leadership’s futuristic vision. Investing in national talents, training and knowledge transfer are all central elements in our strategy to ensure that innovation and technology are the cornerstones of the national defence system.
The progress of any country is not measured only by the size of its army, but by its ability to anticipate risks, adapt to challenges and craft advanced defence strategies. This is what distinguishes the UAE, which has successfully developed an integrated model of power that combines readiness, technological edge and strategic partnerships that enhance its position in the global security and defence system. The journey of the armed forces tells the story of a national success driven by determination, excellence and innovation. This is evident in their role in humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, reflecting the UAE’s position as a force relied upon to enhance global security and stability.
On this anniversary, we renew our resolve to continue on the path of excellence and leadership, believing that our strength lies in our unity and that our future is based on our rich heritage and strong will.
We reaffirm our commitment and loyalty to our leadership and express our highest pride and appreciation for all the servicemen, who have dedicated themselves to protecting the nation and defending its achievements. We also stress our commitment to continuing our support to the armed forces.
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Omania, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
Winner: Brehaan, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Craving, Connor Beasley, Simon Crisford
6.30pm: The President’s Cup Prep (PA) Dh100,000 2,200m
Winner: Rmmas, Tadhg O’Shea, Jean de Roualle
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
Winner: Dahess D’Arabie, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Fertile De Croate, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel
THE LOWDOWN
Romeo Akbar Walter
Rating: 2/5 stars
Produced by: Dharma Productions, Azure Entertainment
Directed by: Robby Grewal
Cast: John Abraham, Mouni Roy, Jackie Shroff and Sikandar Kher
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Citizenship-by-investment programmes
United Kingdom
The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).
All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.
The Caribbean
Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport.
Portugal
The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.
“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.
Greece
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.
Spain
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.
Malta
The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.
The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.
Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.
Egypt
A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.
Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
