UAE Defence Council discusses readiness, capability upgrades and future projects
Sheikh Hamdan chairs key meeting focused on security priorities
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, chaired the second Defence Council meeting of 2026, where senior officials reviewed progress on programmes aimed at strengthening the UAE’s defence system.
The meeting focused on key initiatives designed to enhance efficiency, operational readiness and overall performance in line with the Ministry of Defence’s strategic direction.
Discussions also covered ongoing efforts to reinforce national security and support the country’s long-term development goals.
Defence plans
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan stressed the importance of continuing to develop the defence system in accordance with the highest international standards. He highlighted the need to strengthen readiness and efficiency across all sectors to safeguard the nation’s achievements and support its security objectives.
I chaired the second Defence Council meeting of 2026, where we reviewed key initiatives to strengthen defence readiness, enhance efficiency, and support national security. With the guidance of His Highness the President of the UAE, we continue to invest in advanced capabilities,… pic.twitter.com/2689ObmhsT
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) June 9, 2026
Council members reviewed a range of development and modernisation plans across defence sectors, examining measures intended to improve operational capabilities and ensure the armed forces remain prepared to meet future challenges.
Future projects
The session also addressed initiatives aimed at strengthening both human and technical capabilities. Officials reviewed future projects aligned with the Ministry of Defence’s priorities, with discussions centred on supporting long-term growth and advancing the ministry’s development agenda.
The meeting was attended by Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, and Lt. General Staff Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, along with senior armed forces officers.