H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, chaired the first Defence Council meeting of 2025.
Sheikh Hamdan welcomed attendees, emphasising the importance of intensifying efforts, fostering teamwork, and strengthening collaboration to advance the UAE’s defence capabilities. He outlined the leadership’s vision for achieving excellence and innovation, reflecting the nation’s broader development journey.
He called for enhancing the Ministry of Defence’s institutional performance and aligning operations with strategic objectives for the next phase. Discussions during the meeting centred on strengthening military strategies and advancing departmental capabilities.
The meeting was attended by Mohamed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and senior military officials, including Lieutenant General Engineer Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei and Lieutenant General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the need to adapt to shifting regional and global challenges, acknowledging the unwavering support of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, in equipping the Armed Forces with cutting-edge defence systems to ensure readiness.
He stressed the importance of investing in national expertise, enhancing personnel capabilities, and familiarising defence teams with advanced technologies. He underlined that skilled human resources, combined with innovative strategies, are essential for building a modern and robust military.
Concluding the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan expressed gratitude to attendees for their dedication and efforts in strengthening the UAE’s Armed Forces. He reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to further developing the nation’s defence capabilities and achieving global excellence.