His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, today attended the graduation ceremony of the 41st and 42nd batch of cadet officers of the Zayed II Military College in Al Ain.

The graduation ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Mohamed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; and Staff Lieutenant General Issa Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; along with senior officials of the Armed Forces.

Sheikh Hamdan honoured outstanding cadet officers graduating from the military college, wishing them success in serving the nation and contributing to the marvellous development journey of the nation under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan observed that the visionary leadership and directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, enabled the UAE to continually showcase the highest levels of future readiness and preparedness in its development strategies. This approach ensures that the country can capitalise on every opportunity for progress and growth while at the same time maintaining the capability to rise to any challenges that might arise. This vision also serves as the cornerstone for the Armed Forces as they advance their defensive capabilities and enhance operational efficiency. This includes both the transformation of human resources through advanced military education and superior tactical and strategic training, as well as the integration of the world's most advanced defence equipment and technologies.

Sheikh Hamdan also congratulated foreign students graduating from the Zayed II Military College, wishing them success in their military careers. His Highness praised the role played by the Zayed II Military College in equipping generations of military officers with the knowledge and skills to serve the country with distinction.

Staff Brigadier Abdullah Mohamed Saeed Al Dhaheri, Commander of the Zayed II Military College, delivered the keynote address, expressing gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan for attending the event and for his patronage of the ceremony. He emphasised the leadership’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the UAE’s people and called upon the new military graduates to share their knowledge and experience with their juniors while working towards realising the leadership’s vision for the UAE.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan took part in a commemorative photo session with the graduating cadet officers and the leadership of the Zayed II Military College. The cadet officers expressed their heartfelt appreciation for Sheikh Hamdan’s presence at the event and the insightful advice he shared, expressing confidence that it would inspire them to pursue the highest standards of excellence in the service of the nation.