Joint military exercises are far more than mere displays of force; they convey three key messages:

1. Capability for joint military operations
2. High-level combat readiness to address any emerging security challenges
3. Collective deterrence against threats to national and regional security

This underscores the importance of conducting such exercises among the brotherly Gulf states, whether bilaterally or collectively.

On 22 November 2025, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, may God protect him, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, may God protect him, attended the Bahrain–UAE joint exercise “Rabdan Shoiman.”

The exercise featured the Hamad bin Isa Airborne Brigade, comprising members of the UAE Presidential Guard and their brothers from the Royal Guard of the Bahrain Defense Force. It included a series of field drills and joint operations aimed at enhancing planning and execution capabilities, improving air support and airborne deployment efficiency, and addressing diverse operational scenarios. Participants demonstrated exceptional professionalism, cohesion, and commitment.

Four Dimensions of Strategic Importance

This exercise derived its significance from four aspects:

1. Leadership Commitment: The presence of His Majesty the King and His Highness the UAE President reflected the depth of military coordination between the two nations and reaffirmed the principle that Gulf security is indivisible. His Majesty emphasized:
   “We affirm that our armed forces are your armed forces, and coordination and cooperation between the armed forces of our two brotherly nations will continue and advance, God willing.”

2. Unified Military Concepts: In light of current security challenges that blur the lines between national and regional security, joint exercises play a vital role in harmonizing military doctrines, exchanging expertise, and developing combat capabilities—whether bilaterally or within the GCC framework.

3. Capability Development: His Majesty expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard, for his efforts in enhancing the combat readiness of Royal Guard personnel, affirming:
   “They, along with all their brothers in the Bahrain Defense Force, are always a source of pride and appreciation.”

4. Operational Scenarios: These scenarios are critical for addressing diverse environments and evolving security threats. They simulate real risks and identify effective response strategies. Today, such scenarios are integral to all Gulf military exercises, particularly those focused on maritime security threats.

A Broader Strategic Context

This specialized exercise forms part of the ongoing security and military partnership between Bahrain and the UAE, aimed at strengthening national security and countering threats. Examples include the Bahrain–UAE joint counterterrorism exercise “Jalmoud 3” held in Bahrain from 8–10 November 2022, involving the Royal Guard, various Bahrain Defense Force units, the Ministry of Interior, and the National Intelligence Agency, alongside their UAE counterparts.

Defense officials from both nations also actively participate in major defense exhibitions, such as Bahrain’s involvement in IDEX 2025 and NAVDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, and the UAE’s participation in the Bahrain International Defense Exhibition and Conference (2019) and the 7th Bahrain International Airshow (13–15 November 2024). These engagements are not mere protocol; they aim to exchange military expertise, explore advanced technologies, and strengthen joint coordination—ultimately enhancing the capabilities of both armed forces and the collective security of the Gulf region.

A Strategic Imperative for Gulf Security

Such exercises reflect the Gulf states’ commitment to bilateral military cooperation and embody the principle of shared destiny, as enshrined in the GCC Charter and the Joint Defense Agreement, reaffirmed in the 2024 GCC Regional Security Vision.

While maintaining Gulf security remains a strategic priority for many international actors, developing autonomous military capabilities within the region is essential for safeguarding security and achieving regional balance—a cornerstone of regional stability.

These joint exercises underscore the unwavering conviction of both nations’ leaders in their unity of purpose and destiny. They also highlight the necessity of joint training and readiness in an era of evolving security concepts, rapid technological advancements, asymmetric warfare risks, and regional crises that demand high preparedness and coordinated military action. The Bahrain–UAE military partnership stands as a model to emulate.

Note: This article has been automatically translated, the full article is available in Arabic.

Dr. Ashraf Mohammed Keshk,  Director of Strategic and International Studies Program