H.H. Sheikh Hamdan attends GCC joint military drill in Bahrain

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has attended a GCC joint military exercise at the start of his official visit in Bahrain.

Hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force - the "Bahrain Shield" - featured the participation of the Mohamed bin Zayed Squadron, military units from GCC countries, a contingent from the Peninsula Shield Force and forces from Saudi Arabia.

The exercise was designed to oversee the joint operational readiness of the GCC, as well as the joint coordination and defence capabilities through combined training demonstrations and highlighting joint deterrence programmes.

Bahrain's King welcomed Sheikh Hamdan and his delegation, expressing Bahrain’s pride in the longstanding fraternal ties and historic partnership between the two countries.

The meeting touched on the latest regional developments and the need to increase the level of cooperation to affirm the unity of the Gulf ranks in the face of the challenges arising, while emphasising the importance of continued coordination and consultation.

At the conclusion of the visit, Sheikh Hamdan affirmed the strength of the relations that unite the UAE and Bahrain.

Upon arrival Bahrain International Airport on Friday, Sheikh Hamdan was welcomed by Lieutenant General Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard, and Brigadier General Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of Special Operations of the Royal Guard.

The King of Bahrain receives Hamdan bin Mohammed in the presence of Nasser bin Hamad and Khalid bin Hamad. The meeting took place at the start of Hamdan bin Mohammed’s visit, during which he witnessed the ‘Bahrain Shield’ joint military exercise, hosted by the Bahrain Defence… pic.twitter.com/vxt3QTNVvm

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 31, 2026