UAE's military strength on show at Union Fortress 10 parade - in pictures

  • Spectators arrived in droves on Friday to witness Union Fortress 10, a military parade aimed at showcasing the UAE’s military capabilities. All photos Victor Besa / The National
    Spectators arrived in droves on Friday to witness Union Fortress 10, a military parade aimed at showcasing the UAE’s military capabilities. All photos Victor Besa / The National
  • Children waved flags as they watched the parade's events unfold
    Children waved flags as they watched the parade's events unfold
  • This showcased an array of armed units and formations. Live shows included mock-up combat scenarios and exhibitions
    This showcased an array of armed units and formations. Live shows included mock-up combat scenarios and exhibitions
  • Obaid Al Kaabi, 10, said he attended because he wants to be a pilot. "When I grow up I want to work in the military and specifically in a military plane," Obaid told The National
    Obaid Al Kaabi, 10, said he attended because he wants to be a pilot. "When I grow up I want to work in the military and specifically in a military plane," Obaid told The National
  • The show featured parachutists, while another highlight was tanks from different generations in parade formation to highlight how the military has changed over the years
    The show featured parachutists, while another highlight was tanks from different generations in parade formation to highlight how the military has changed over the years
  • The parade was held at Al Ain International Airport, having moved from last year's event at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
    The parade was held at Al Ain International Airport, having moved from last year's event at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
  • It was organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with various entities, including the Presidential Guard, Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Police
    It was organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with various entities, including the Presidential Guard, Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Police
  • Paratroopers landed to tackle threats, behind mountain blocks depicting Jebel Hafeet
    Paratroopers landed to tackle threats, behind mountain blocks depicting Jebel Hafeet
  • Different points of the mock city were attacked and the different forces worked together to evacuate citizens and bring an end to the incident
    Different points of the mock city were attacked and the different forces worked together to evacuate citizens and bring an end to the incident
  • Spectators enjoying the display. When the show ended, all military personnel lined up in front of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, for a military salute.
    Spectators enjoying the display. When the show ended, all military personnel lined up in front of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, for a military salute.
  • A mock field was set up with different buildings depicting houses, a clinic, a cafe, a football stadium and a university. Actors played citizens walking throughout the mock city
    A mock field was set up with different buildings depicting houses, a clinic, a cafe, a football stadium and a university. Actors played citizens walking throughout the mock city
  • Different points of the mock city were attacked and the different forces worked together to evacuate the citizens and bring an end to the incident
    Different points of the mock city were attacked and the different forces worked together to evacuate the citizens and bring an end to the incident
  • The capabilities of the armed forces were on show during the event at Al Ain International Airport
    The capabilities of the armed forces were on show during the event at Al Ain International Airport
  • Visitors pose in front of a Gazelle helicopter on display. This helicopter participated in the Liberation of Kuwait campaign in 1990
    Visitors pose in front of a Gazelle helicopter on display. This helicopter participated in the Liberation of Kuwait campaign in 1990