Overview
- The golden jubilee of the armed forces' unification, observed Wednesday, featured official messages that stressed readiness, national unity, a larger role for women, and a stronger homegrown defense base.
- President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed received calls Tuesday from leaders including Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman, Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim, and Bahrain’s King Hamad who condemned Iranian strikes using missiles and drones.
- The foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, held calls with regional counterparts who denounced the attacks and backed the UAE’s right to respond under international law while he confirmed the safety of residents and visitors.
- Public pride surged on X as anniversary hashtags trended nationwide, with users praising the military’s discipline and recent humanitarian work, including air-dropping aid and medical support for civilians in Gaza.
- At the same time, the government advanced its global agenda as Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed chaired a May 5 steering meeting for the UN Water Conference 2026 that urged using innovation and artificial intelligence to improve water security.