Skip to main content

Bahrain and UAE step up joint defense amid rising regional threats

1 min Mena Today

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain attended the joint Emirati-Bahraini military exercise Rabdan–Shuwaiman 2025 on Saturday, reaffirming the deep strategic and fraternal ties between the two Gulf states.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of of Bahrain at the joint Emirati-Bahraini military exercise Rabdan–Shuwaiman, held in Bahrain © WAM

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of of Bahrain at the joint Emirati-Bahraini military exercise Rabdan–Shuwaiman, held in Bahrain © WAM

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain attended the joint Emirati-Bahraini military exercise Rabdan–Shuwaiman 2025 on Saturday, reaffirming the deep strategic and fraternal ties between the two Gulf states.

Held in Bahrain, the exercise underscores the growing security concerns shared by Abu Dhabi and Manama, particularly amid regional instability, evolving threats and the need for rapid-response military cooperation. 

Both countries continue to prioritise joint defense capabilities as part of their broader strategy to protect national interests and maintain regional stability.

Rabdan–Shuwaiman 2025 included advanced training scenarios designed to enhance the readiness of participating units, improve operational planning and execution, and strengthen coordination between support and airborne forces. The drills simulated a variety of conditions to test adaptability in complex and fast-moving security environments.

During their visit, Sheikh Mohamed and King Hamad toured the training sites, greeting senior officers from both armed forces and receiving an extensive briefing on the objectives and outcomes of the exercise. 

The leaders highlighted the importance of sustained joint training to deter threats and reinforce the defense posture of both nations.

In recognition of their distinguished service, King Hamad awarded medals of excellence to several UAE officers participating in the exercise.

The Rabdan–Shuwaiman series remains a key component of the UAE–Bahrain defense partnership, reflecting their shared commitment to security cooperation and collective readiness in an increasingly challenging regional climate.

By Sofia Lamine 

Related

Israel

From Hargeisa to Jerusalem: Somaliland's historic diplomatic breakthrough

Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi met Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on Sunday, in what marks the breakaway territory's first-ever state visit to a foreign country, and a milestone in the unlikely but deepening partnership between the two nations.

Iran

Iran's World Cup: When a theocracy tries to control a stadium in America

When Iran's Team Melli takes to the field in Los Angeles on Monday against New Zealand, the game will be about far more than football. It will be a confrontation between a theocratic regime desperate to control its image abroad and the millions of Iranians - at home and in exile - who refuse to let it.

Iran

Billions, oil and nukes: Iran reveals draft U.S. deal

A senior Iranian official told Reuters a final draft of the memorandum of understanding with the U.S. covered a range of issues, from Tehran’s nuclear work to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. waivers on oil sanctions, with a final deal to be discussed in the 60 days following agreement by the two sides.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Mena banner 4

To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.

  • Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.