His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and UAE Minister of Defence, visited the National Guard headquarters in Abu Dhabi on 3 October 2025. He was welcomed by senior defence officials including Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei (Minister of State for Defence Affairs), Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei (Chief of Staff) and Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri (Commander of the National Guard). The visit combined briefings, a field demonstration and discussions on enhancing coordination across security institutions.
Why Sheikh Hamdan visited the National Guard HQ
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and UAE Minister of Defense, conducted a high-profile visit to the National Guard headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The visit brought together senior military leaders, including Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei (Minister of State for Defence Affairs), Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei (Chief of Staff), and Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri (Commander of the National Guard). The visit focused on reviewing operational readiness, evaluating modern capabilities, and discussing enhanced coordination with other security institutions. It also highlighted the UAE leadership’s commitment to advancing military training, technology, and strategic planning.The Crown Prince’s visit was aimed at strengthening leadership oversight of the National Guard and understanding how the institution aligns with national defense priorities. Officials provided a comprehensive briefing on the Guard’s current operations, strategic initiatives, and plans to coordinate more effectively with other branches of the UAE military. By personally reviewing these aspects, Sheikh Hamdan reinforced his hands-on approach as the Minister of Defense and his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational readiness. The visit also provided a platform for discussing ongoing initiatives and future plans that ensure the National Guard remains a well-prepared and capable force.
Field demonstration showcases UAE National Guard’s readiness
A key part of the visit was attending a field demonstration, which showcased the National Guard’s tactical and operational skills. The exercise highlighted their readiness, professionalism, and ability to respond to various security scenarios.Sheikh Hamdan praised the personnel, emphasizing that their work is carried out “with honor and selflessness”, reflecting the Guard’s dedication to safeguarding the nation. Observers noted the demonstration illustrated both current capabilities and the effectiveness of recent training programs, providing clear evidence of the Guard’s preparedness for real-world challenges.
Hamdan stresses training and advanced technology for defense
During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan stressed the importance of continuously upgrading both human skills and technological resources. Investments in advanced equipment, integrated systems, and specialized training were highlighted as crucial for keeping the National Guard aligned with international best practices.The Crown Prince emphasized that modernization is not just about hardware, it is equally about developing personnel, enhancing leadership skills, and improving decision-making processes to ensure that the Guard can operate efficiently in complex scenarios.
Strong leadership support behind National Guard’s progress
Sheikh Hamdan acknowledged that the success and readiness of the National Guard is a result of strong leadership backing, consistent investment, and ongoing training programs. He expressed full confidence in the Guard’s ability to carry out its mission effectively and emphasized that continued development is critical to maintaining UAE’s national security. The visit also sent a clear message of motivation and recognition to the personnel, reinforcing the importance of their role and the support they receive from the top levels of leadership.
What the visit means for UAE defense and security
This visit underlines a strategic commitment to defense and national security. By focusing on readiness, modern training, technological upgrades, and inter-agency coordination, the Crown Prince highlighted key priorities for the future:
- Ensuring the National Guard is fully prepared to handle evolving security challenges.
- Strengthening coordination between different military and security institutions.
- Maintaining investments in modern equipment and continuous personnel development.
The visit signals that the UAE leadership is actively monitoring defense initiatives and taking practical steps to enhance the country’s security framework.