Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended the joint Bahrain-UAE military exercise “Rabdan Shuwaiman”. The military exercise featured the participation of the Hamad bin Isa Airborne Brigade from the UAE Presidential Guard and their counterparts from the Royal Guard of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), held in the Kingdom of Bahrain as part of the longstanding cooperation between the two countries.
According to Bahrain News Agency, upon the arrival of His Majesty the King and HH the UAE President at the exercise site, they were received by Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the BDF; Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander, and Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council and Director of the Exercise; along with senior officers from both nations.
His Majesty the King welcomed HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, expressing appreciation for his visit to Bahrain. His Majesty said that the military exercise enhanced joint defence capabilities and strengthened military cooperation, adding that naming the participating forces after them was a personal honour reflecting the enduring ties inherited from their forefathers. His Majesty emphasised that the armed forces of both nations stand together, and coordination and cooperation will continue to grow. His Majesty commended the professionalism and dedication of the UAE Armed Forces participating alongside the BDF.
HM the King ordered the naming of a Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) squadron as “Mohammed bin Zayed Squadron” in recognition of HH the UAE President’s role in supporting the longstanding relations and cooperation between the two nations.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed expressed gratitude to His Majesty for this gesture, emphasising that it reflects the strong historical ties between the two countries. He also commended the high level of skill and performance displayed during the joint exercise, wishing both nations continued prosperity and success.
During the exercise, HM the King and HH the UAE President were briefed on its objectives and proceedings. His Majesty thanked Lt. Gen. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad for his dedicated efforts to enhance the combat readiness of the Royal Guard personnel, noting that they and all members of the BDF remain a source of pride.
HM the King then conferred the Medal of Efficiency on several participants from the UAE Presidential Guard’s Hamad bin Isa Airborne Brigade, including Major General Ali Saif Al Kaabi, Major General Awadh Saeed Al Ahbabi, Brigadier General Yaqoub Yousef Al Ali, Brigadier General Ahmed Ali Al Shehhi, and Brigadier General Saeed Khamis Al Yamahi. Lt. Gen. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad also presented commemorative gifts to HH the UAE President on this occasion.
The exercise concluded with a commemorative photo session with His Majesty the King and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, as aircraft from the “Mohammed bin Zayed Squadron” of the RBAF flew past in salute.