The high-level visit highlighted operational readiness, command-and-control integration, and strategic defence cooperation among GCC member states.
MANAMA: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, in Manama on Friday at the start of an official visit focused on regional security and military coordination. The two leaders observed phases of ‘Bahrain Shield’, a major joint military exercise hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force.
The high-level military exercise brought together air, ground, and specialized units from across the region, including the Mohamed bin Zayed Squadron, the UAE Armed Forces’ King Hamad Brigade, contingents from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, units from the Unified Military Command, and Saudi Arabian forces.
King Hamad and Sheikh Hamdan were briefed on field scenarios and tactical operational phases designed to test joint command-and-control systems, rapid response mechanisms, and inter-service interoperability under simulated defensive scenarios.
During their meeting at the drill site, Sheikh Hamdan conveyed greetings from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The talks focused on expanding bilateral defence mechanisms and addressing regional security dynamics through collective Gulf deterrence frameworks.
King Hamad commended the UAE’s continuous involvement in joint Gulf initiatives, singling out the performance of UAE personnel participating in the exercise. He noted that the GCC’s collective framework remains an effective model for regional stability, describing ‘Bahrain Shield’ as a practical demonstration of integrated Gulf defence strategy.
The exercises evaluated tactical field movements, multi-branch communication networks, and joint intelligence-sharing protocols. Senior commanders demonstrated live tactical scenarios aimed at securing regional airspace, coastal defense, and vital infrastructure.
Sheikh Hamdan commended the operational execution and high readiness demonstrated by participating forces throughout the exercise. He emphasized that strategic coordination between the UAE and Bahrain serves as a cornerstone for maintaining long-term stability and security across the Arabian Gulf.
The meeting was attended by Lieutenant General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard, and Brigadier General Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of Special Operations of the Royal Guard.
The UAE delegation accompanying Sheikh Hamdan included Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, along with Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, alongside senior military commanders.
