Crown Prince Hamdan Chairs Defence Council Meeting to Review Strategic Military Development

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum convened the third Defence Council session of 2026 to examine key initiatives strengthening the UAE's defence capabilities and operational readiness.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, presided over the third Defence Council meeting of 2026, bringing together senior military leadership to review the nation’s strategic defence priorities.

The gathering focused on significant programmes designed to enhance the defence system’s operational effectiveness and readiness, aligned with the Ministry of Defence’s overarching strategic direction. Discussions encompassed comprehensive development and modernisation initiatives across all defence sectors, reflecting the Emirates’ commitment to maintaining cutting-edge military capabilities.

Council members examined plans to strengthen operational readiness whilst advancing both human and technical capacities within the armed forces. The agenda included evaluation of future projects that support the Ministry of Defence’s established priorities and contribute to sustained long-term development of the nation’s security infrastructure.

Attending the meeting were Mohamed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; and Lieutenant General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, alongside distinguished senior armed forces officers.

Source: WAM