Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, chaired a meeting of the Defense Council, emphasizing the significance of enhancing collaborative efforts and intensifying coordination to realize the leadership’s vision in strengthening the UAE’s defense capabilities in alignment with the nation’s broad development agenda.
Photo by Abdullah Al Hattawi
He commended the ongoing support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, highlighting the importance of developing national competencies, investing in human resources, and leveraging innovation and modern technology to build an integrated defense framework.
During the meeting, discussions focused on enhancing the defense strategy and developing capabilities across the ministry’s various sectors, adapting to regional and international changes and challenges.
Photo by Abdullah Al Hattawi
At the conclusion of the session, the Crown Prince of Dubai expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all ministry personnel, reaffirming the leadership’s commitment to providing all necessary support for the advancement of the military institution, following best practices and the highest global standards.
National Defense College
Additionally, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the National Defense College in Abu Dhabi, where he was welcomed by Major General Saeed Hasan Al Yamahi, the college commander, along with several senior leaders and officers.
During his visit, he received a briefing about the National Defense College and its academic program, which is offered to participants from various military and civilian sectors. He also learned about the curriculum designed to prepare and qualify military and civil national leaders.
Sheikh Hamdan met with participants in the twelfth National Defense Course for 2024-2025, engaging with them about their academic experiences during the course, emphasizing the leadership’s support for excellence in all areas of national work.
The Crown Prince underscored the vital role played by the National Defense College, asserting that it is a leading academic and strategic institution that contributes to the development of national cadres equipped with deep strategic thinking.
This capability is crucial for planning and formulating strategic decisions based on knowledge, safeguarding the gains of the nation, and preparing for future requirements, while seizing opportunities and addressing potential challenges.
Pioneering Role
Photo by Abdullah Al Hattawi
He expressed his appreciation for the pioneering role of the National Defense College in advancing strategic thinking that serves national interests, as well as enhancing cooperation between the military institution, represented by the Ministry of Defense, and national civilian entities.
Through a post on the platform “X,” Sheikh Hamdan stated, “I chaired the Defense Council meeting, where we discussed how to strengthen cooperation and coordination to achieve the leadership’s vision in enhancing national defense capabilities, investing in national competencies, and adopting innovation and modern technology to create an integrated defense system that protects the nation’s achievements on land, sea, and air.”
He also remarked, “I visited the National Defense College in Abu Dhabi to review its academic programs aimed at developing national competencies, and I had the opportunity to meet with several participants of the twelfth National Defense Course 2024-2025. This college represents an esteemed academic and strategic establishment that plays a significant role in preparing national personnel and enhancing their academic and practical capabilities.”
Attending the visit alongside Sheikh Hamdan were His Excellency Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defense Affairs, His Excellency Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and His Excellency Lieutenant General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, along with several senior officers and officials from the Ministry of Defense.
This visit underscores the commitment of the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense to monitor the development of strategic military education institutions in the country and to enhance communication between senior leadership and the national workforce that forms the foundation for the future.
Statements by Sheikh Hamdan:
Intensify collaboration to realize the leadership’s vision for enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities.
Develop national competencies and rely on technology to build an integrated defense system.
Provide all necessary resources to develop the military institution according to the highest global standards.
The National Defense College is a leading academic and strategic institute that contributes to qualifying national personnel.