Hamdan bin Mohammed attends National Defence College graduation ceremony

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, today attended the graduation ceremony of the 13th cohort of the National Defence College in Abu Dhabi.On the occasion, His Highness emphasised that preparing national leaders with strategic thinking and future foresight reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in developing highly skilled national talent capable of safeguarding the nation’s achievements and strengthening its security and stability.He also highlighted that this approach aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in investing in people, empowering national talent, and preparing them for leadership roles.Sheikh Hamdan underscored the role of the National Defence College in equipping leaders with the knowledge, expertise and strategic vision required to support national security and enhance government readiness to anticipate developments and address emerging challenges.He noted that investing in qualified national leaders, both academically and practically, represents an investment in the country’s future, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and forward thinking. This, he said, ensures the continuation of the UAE’s development journey as a global model of achievement and competitiveness.His Highness congratulated the graduates on their academic accomplishments, praising their dedication and the skills they had acquired, which will support national development and reinforce the country’s security and stability.The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, and His Excellency Lt. General Staff Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, along with senior officers of the Armed Forces.The 13th cohort included graduates from the UAE as well as participants from several friendly and sisterly countries, reflecting the College’s role in developing expertise in strategic and security fields at an international level.In his speech, Major General Saeed Salmeen Al Alawi, Commandant of the College, said the institution prepares future leaders to anticipate change and address strategic challenges, while strengthening comprehensive national security through its programmes.At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness honoured outstanding graduates, extended his congratulations, and took commemorative photographs with the graduates and faculty members.