Zayed National Museum launches an integrated cultural program to celebrate the golden jubilee of the unification of the armed forces

Abu Dhabi, 7 May / WAM / Yesterday evening, the Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, launched a free, integrated cultural program that will continue until the 15th of this month, in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the unification of the armed forces.

This initiative reflects a turning point in the process of building national identity, recalling the historical moment in which the state’s forces were united within a single entity based on solid principles of shared responsibility, service, and protecting the homeland.

The program, titled “The March of Unity Through Time,” reviews the story of the unification of the armed forces in 1976, embodying the forward-looking vision led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, the founder of the state, based on his belief that the strength of the state stems from its unity and cohesion. This program gives visitors the opportunity to explore the concepts of service, belonging, and national identity in innovative ways, and learn about the multiple roles that the armed forces play outside their defense scope.

Moza Matar, Director of the Museum Curators and Collections Department at the Zayed National Museum, confirmed that the fiftieth anniversary of the unification of the armed forces represents a significant national occasion that allows us to recall one of the most important founding moments in the country’s history.

She explained that the program offers an integrated experience that combines qualitative exhibits and activities to explore the rooted values ​​of service and responsibility, noting that it seeks to deepen visitors’ understanding of how the past contributes to shaping the present and inspiring future generations by linking these contents to the narrative of the museum’s collections.

The first day of the program included a special presentation of Al-Azi art presented by artist Hamad Al-Amri, through which visitors recalled the meanings of national pride embodied by the armed forces, in addition to a series of live and heritage performances such as scar art.

In the same context, a guided tour is being organized in Arabic under the title “Protectors of the Homeland”, which highlights the role of individuals and communities in protecting the homeland across generations, and highlights a solid national legacy based on the values ​​of service, unity and belonging.

The second day will witness the opening of the temporary exhibition to the public, which presents through its exhibits the historical roots of the concepts of defense and protection in the region, highlighting how tools and weapons throughout the ages have reflected values ​​that go beyond the military dimension to embody the concepts of order, peace, and societal responsibility.

Archaeological evidence excavated from sites such as Hili in Al Ain and Saruq Al Hadid in Dubai shows how early societies developed advanced tools for survival and defense. These pieces, including a 19th-century rifle or fuse and an alloyed copper sword model dating back to about 2000 BC, highlight indications of authority, social order, and shared values ​​rooted in daily life, in addition to their defensive function.

The “Fursan Al Emarat” team, the national air show team, presents an exceptional air show that embodies the highest levels of precision, discipline and coordination, thus reflecting the spirit of unity and dedication that distinguishes the UAE Air Force and Air Defense.

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