• Military buggies race along the desert after being dropped off by a Chinook helicopter. EPA
    Military buggies race along the desert after being dropped off by a Chinook helicopter. EPA
  • A vehicle is flipped during a demonstration of an explosion. EPA
    A vehicle is flipped during a demonstration of an explosion. EPA
  • A man watches as helicopters demonstrate their skills during the Union Fortress 8 military parade. AFP
    A man watches as helicopters demonstrate their skills during the Union Fortress 8 military parade. AFP
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, watch the Union Fortress show at Expo 2020. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, watch the Union Fortress show at Expo 2020. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan watches the drills through binoculars. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan watches the drills through binoculars. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Crowds turned out for the military spectacle, which will be held again on Sunday. EPA
    Crowds turned out for the military spectacle, which will be held again on Sunday. EPA
  • Spectators watch as members of the UAE armed forces perform. EPA
    Spectators watch as members of the UAE armed forces perform. EPA
  • Weekly military parades and displays will be held by the Ministry of Defence at Expo 2020 Dubai in March. EPA
    Weekly military parades and displays will be held by the Ministry of Defence at Expo 2020 Dubai in March. EPA
  • Police on horseback control a mock riot during the show. EPA
    Police on horseback control a mock riot during the show. EPA
  • People wave UAE flags. EPA
    People wave UAE flags. EPA
  • A Chinook helicopter drops off military buggies on the parade ground. EPA
    A Chinook helicopter drops off military buggies on the parade ground. EPA
  • The drill featured dramatic explosions. EPA
    The drill featured dramatic explosions. EPA
  • Several branches of the military and local police are involved in the series of drills and demonstrations. EPA
    Several branches of the military and local police are involved in the series of drills and demonstrations. EPA
  • Members of the UAE Armed Forces perform during a drill. EPA
    Members of the UAE Armed Forces perform during a drill. EPA
  • The live exercises thrilled the large crowds in attendance. EPA
    The live exercises thrilled the large crowds in attendance. EPA
  • Union Fortress 8 serves as a showcase for the UAE's military prowess. EPA
    Union Fortress 8 serves as a showcase for the UAE's military prowess. EPA
  • The free show included displays such as a helicopter mission drill and the latest army vehicles. EPA
    The free show included displays such as a helicopter mission drill and the latest army vehicles. EPA
  • The event aims to celebrate the development of the UAE Armed Forces over the decades. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    The event aims to celebrate the development of the UAE Armed Forces over the decades. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • A parachutist prepares to land on the parade ground. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    A parachutist prepares to land on the parade ground. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Union Fortress is also being held in line with the UAE's Golden Jubilee. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Union Fortress is also being held in line with the UAE's Golden Jubilee. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Troops show their weapons-handling skills. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Troops show their weapons-handling skills. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Troops during a helicopter drill. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Troops during a helicopter drill. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • The last day of Expo 2020 is March 31 - meaning there are fewer than 60 days left to see the world's fair. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    The last day of Expo 2020 is March 31 - meaning there are fewer than 60 days left to see the world's fair. Photo: Dubai Media Office

UAE

Expo 2020

Ruler of Dubai joins visitors at dazzling Expo 2020 military show

Crowds wowed by live drills involving tanks and helicopters

The National

March 06, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai were treated to a spectacular military parade and live exercises this weekend.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, joined visitors at the show on Saturday.

Several branches of the military and local police were involved in a series of drills and demonstrations.

The exercise – Union Fortress 8 – served as a showcase for the UAE's military prowess.

The free show, which will also be staged on Sunday, included displays such as a helicopter mission drill and the latest army vehicles.

Union Fortress was held in line with the UAE's Golden Jubilee and aims to celebrate the development of the Armed Forces over the decades.

Updated: March 06, 2022, 4:54 AM
Expo 2020 DubaiSheikh Mohammed bin RashidSheikh Hamdan bin MohammedUAE Armed Forces