UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain attended Saturday the joint Emirati-Bahraini military exercise Rabdan-Shuwaiman 2025, held at Sakhir Air Base in Bahrain.
Upon the arrival of both leaders at the exercise site, they were received by Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (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.
The exercise involved the Royal Guard of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) and the Hamad bin Isa Airborne Brigade of the UAE Presidential Guard. It aimed to enhance the close relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE, and to advance their strategic partnership and ongoing military cooperation to raise combat readiness and develop joint operational and tactical capabilities, according to Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
The exercise reflects the strong fraternal ties between the UAE and Bahrain and aims to enhance the readiness of participating units and develop joint operational capabilities, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Web Portal said in a statement.
The exercise featured joint training activities focused on improving planning and execution, strengthening the performance of support and airborne units, and responding to a range of operational scenarios across multiple conditions and environments.
The UAE President and King Hamad toured the training sites, where they greeted senior officers from both armed forces and received a briefing on the exercise and the accompanying exhibition.
HM the King of Barhain 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.
King Hamad awarded medals for excellence and service to several UAE Officers. In addition, the UAE President received a commemorative gift from Lieutenant General Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Adviser and Commander of the Royal Guard of Bahrain.
Both leaders expressed their appreciation to all participating units and formations, praising the skill and professionalism displayed throughout the exercise.
A group photo was taken at the end of the tour, featuring the UAE President, the King of Bahrain, senior officers, and participants in the Rabdan-Shuwaiman exercise.
The UAE President was accompanied by a delegation that includes H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; along with a number of ministers and senior officials.
King Hamad later hosted a luncheon in honour of the UAE President and his accompanying delegation.
The two leaders engaged in cordial conversation that underscored the close ties between their countries and their mutual commitment to building on them for the good of both peoples.
The UAE President departed Bahrain at the end of his visit and was bid farewell by King Hamad, along with several sheikhs and senior officials.
