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.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
Batti Gul Meter Chalu
Producers: KRTI Productions, T-Series
Director: Sree Narayan Singh
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Divyenndu Sharma, Yami Gautam
Rating: 2/5
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
FIXTURES
Saturday
5.30pm: Shabab Al Ahli v Al Wahda
5.30pm: Khorfakkan v Baniyas
8.15pm: Hatta v Ajman
8.15pm: Sharjah v Al Ain
Sunday
5.30pm: Kalba v Al Jazira
5.30pm: Fujairah v Al Dhafra
8.15pm: Al Nasr v Al Wasl
More on Quran memorisation:
The Buckingham Murders
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu
Director: Hansal Mehta
Rating: 4 / 5
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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The bio
Favourite food: Japanese
Favourite car: Lamborghini
Favourite hobby: Football
Favourite quote: If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough
Favourite country: UAE
RESULT
Copa del Rey, semi-final second leg
Real Madrid 0
Barcelona 3 (Suarez (50', 73' pen), Varane (69' OG)
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.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Norway
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Canada
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
