Sheikh Hamdan attends Bahrain Shield military exercise as GCC strengthens defence cooperation
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, visited Bahrain on July 31 to attend the Bahrain Shield joint military exercise, bringing together armed forces from across the Gulf Cooperation Council.
During his visit to Manama, Sheikh Hamdan was received by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. Their meeting highlighted the longstanding relationship between the UAE and Bahrain, as well as the two countries’ shared commitment to regional security and closer cooperation between GCC states.
Gulf forces train together
Hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force, Bahrain Shield brought together the Mohamed bin Zayed Squadron, military units from GCC countries, the Peninsula Shield Force and Saudi forces.
The exercise included operational scenarios and field drills designed to improve combat readiness, exchange military expertise and strengthen coordination and command-and-control capabilities among participating forces.
King Hamad and Sheikh Hamdan were briefed on different stages of the exercise and observed integrated drills demonstrating the capabilities and preparedness of the participating units.
The King of Bahrain described Bahrain Shield as part of the GCC’s wider efforts to strengthen collective security and defence integration. He also praised the participation of the UAE Armed Forces’ King Hamad Brigade, alongside forces from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.
Sheikh Hamdan praises military readiness
Sheikh Hamdan praised the organisation of the exercise and the advanced capabilities demonstrated by the forces during field and tactical missions.
He said their performance reflected a high level of operational readiness and an ability to respond effectively to different security and defence challenges.
During his meeting with King Hamad, Sheikh Hamdan also 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 discussions extended beyond the exercise itself, covering current regional developments and the importance of maintaining coordination between Gulf countries amid evolving challenges. Both sides emphasised the need to strengthen GCC unity and cooperation to support security, stability and long-term prosperity across the region.
UAE and Bahrain strengthen strategic ties
At the conclusion of the visit, Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the strong strategic relationship between the UAE and Bahrain, describing it as based on a shared vision for regional stability and stronger Gulf cooperation.
His visit and participation in Bahrain Shield underline the UAE’s wider role in GCC defence cooperation at a time when regional coordination and collective preparedness remain increasingly important.
Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, and senior Ministry of Defence officers.
