H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, led the UAE delegation at the 21st Joint Defence Council session of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Defence Ministers in Doha, Qatar.
The meeting focused on boosting defence cooperation among GCC member states, discussing key strategies to strengthen ties. Leaders emphasized the deep historical and fraternal relationships between GCC nations and the shared commitment to fostering collaboration in critical sectors.
Discussions covered improving coordination, sharing knowledge, and enhancing training programs to develop skills and capabilities across GCC armed forces. The focus was on upgrading collective readiness by adopting modern technologies, advanced equipment, and strategic approaches. This cooperation aims to improve tactical operations, enhance regional security, and support ambitious development goals.
Earlier, Sheikh Hamdan arrived in Doha, where he was welcomed by Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council; and senior military officials, including the Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces.
Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by a high-level UAE delegation, including Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Director General of the Dubai Crown Prince’s Office; Matar Salem Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence; Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Qatar; and senior military officials, including Major General Khalifa Rashid Al Hamli, Major General Ahmed Ali Bishoh, and Brigadier General Qais Rashid Al Dhaheri.
