An Emirati cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst was awarded the International Sword on Friday, making him the fourth UAE recipient in its distinguished history.
The honour is given to the best cadet following the British military academy’s gruelling 44-week course, and was previously received by Emirati Ahmed Sohail Faris Al Mazrui in 2017.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, grandson of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also received the International Award for achieving the best overall results in military, academic and practical studies.
The Ruler of Dubai attended Mons Officer Cadet School – Aldershot, which is now part of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the first Emirati cadet to receive both accolades simultaneously.
The graduation ceremony, also known as the Passing Out Parade, was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, who also shared a heartfelt message online about the achievement.
“Today, I attended the graduation ceremony of Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X. “We are all immensely proud of Mohammed, who was awarded the International Sword for the best international cadet and the International Award for best overall results in military, academic and practical studies – the first Emirati to achieve both honours simultaneously. Congratulations to him on these remarkable achievements.
“I also met with the Emirati students at this prestigious academy. Our youth continue to bring pride to their nation and families. May they continue to thrive and bring greater success to our homeland.”
The sword is crafted by Pooley Sword, with blades made from high-carbon steel.
The ceremony was presided over by Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, former chief of the general staff of the British Army, on behalf of King Charles III.
Also present were Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.
In Dubai on Saturday, Sheikh Mohammed congratulated his grandson on his graduation during a meeting at the Al Marmoom Rest House, expressing his pride in his outstanding achievements.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's graduation follows a decades-long tradition of Middle Eastern rulers and royals attending the institution.
President Sheikh Mohamed also attended, as did his son, Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed. Sheikh Hamdan graduated alongside Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed 18 years ago. The late King Hussein of Jordan, King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Hussein are also former graduates.
