Latest news with #RoyalMilitaryAcademySandhurst
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai crown prince Sheikh Hamdan promoted to Lieutenant General: A look at his defence journey
TL;DR Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has been promoted to Lieutenant General in the UAE Armed Forces . . He took charge as Defence Minister in July 2024, replacing his father after decades of service. His first year in office focused on modernisation, partnerships, and strategic military reforms. In a formal decree issued by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been promoted to Lieutenant General in the UAE Armed Forces. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The decision comes a year after Sheikh Hamdan stepped into the role of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, succeeding his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who had held the position since the country's founding. This move signals more than a military rank. It reflects a larger generational transition in the UAE's leadership, one that blends deep tradition with new thinking. Sheikh Hamdan's military education, global exposure, and hands-on experience in governance make him a prominent figure in this evolving phase of UAE defence policy. A Military Background with Global Exposure Born in 1982, Sheikh Hamdan graduated from Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2001 and later studied at the London School of Economics. He served as Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council and became Crown Prince in 2008, helping develop Dubai's tourism and business sectors. On July 14, 2024, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced Sheikh Hamdan would succeed him as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, a role his father held since the UAE's founding. Sheikh Hamdan took the defence minister oath on July 18, marking a clear generational shift in UAE defence leadership. He recently completed one year in this role, focusing on modernising the armed forces. One Year in Office: Key Initiatives Since becoming Defence Minister in July 2024, Sheikh Hamdan has led a period of focused change within the UAE Armed Forces. Here's what's shaped his first year: He has pushed for integrating new technologies, including advanced surveillance systems and digital warfare capabilities. One of the highlights under his leadership: the launch of the Al Emarat P111 corvette warship, equipped with cutting-edge naval defence systems. warship, equipped with cutting-edge naval defence systems. In April 2025, Sheikh Hamdan visited India, meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The two agreed to collaborate on military training, coast guard coordination, and joint defence production. Beyond India, Sheikh Hamdan has participated in regional outreach alongside President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, including strategic visits to South Korea and other allied nations. These visits have helped build long-term partnerships in defence manufacturing, logistics, and security planning. In his first formal address to UAE Armed Forces personnel, Sheikh Hamdan spoke of building a military that stands as a 'global model of organisation and excellence.' This message has resonated as the armed forces shift toward a more tech-savvy, future-focused force. A Role Rooted in Legacy Sheikh Hamdan's promotion also holds symbolic weight. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The UAE Armed Forces were unified nearly five decades ago, a move that cemented national identity and shared strength. His recent appearance at a ceremony marking 49 years of military unification highlights his commitment to honouring this legacy while shaping its next phase. His father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, offered public praise on the one-year anniversary of Sheikh Hamdan's defence appointment, sharing a personal poem celebrating his son's leadership. It wasn't just a family gesture. It was a moment that tied together legacy, leadership, and national pride. Why It Matters for the UAE The promotion of Sheikh Hamdan to Lieutenant General is more than a rank change. It's a sign of continuity in the UAE's leadership, with a focus on adaptation. Sheikh Hamdan brings global experience, deep national roots, and a clear sense of direction. He's also stepping into a role that affects not just national security, but regional stability, defence innovation, and international diplomacy. His leadership will likely influence how the UAE prepares for future challenges, both at home and beyond its borders.
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abang Johari's Sandhurst initiative strategic move to strengthen Sarawak's defence, says Tiang
Michael Tiang KUCHING (July 5): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's Sandhurst initiative has been hailed as a strategic step toward enhancing Sarawak's human capital in the areas of security and defence. Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said this initiative is forward-looking, timely and crucial with Sarawak seeing to strengthen its capacity and capability in security particularly in border protection and marine defence within the South China Sea. 'I fully support the recent statement by Premier of Sarawak that Sarawak is prepared to send our youths to undergo officer training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, as part of our broader human capital development strategy. 'The professional and world-class military training at Sandhurst will undoubtedly equip Sarawakian youths with the discipline, leadership and strategic thinking essential for modern defence roles,' he said in a statement today. He also commended and supported Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi's suggestion to explore the revival of the historic Sarawak Rangers. Tiang opined that the legacy and spirit of the Sarawak Rangers should be reawakened as a proud symbol of the state's local heritage in national defence. 'Their revival, in tandem with the Sandhurst initiative, can offer our youth a deeper sense of purpose and belonging in serving the state and nation,' he said. Tiang added that the state government should consider extending these scholarship opportunities to students from diverse educational backgrounds, including holders of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC). Historically, the Chinese community has been under-represented in uniformed services such as the police and military, often due to cultural perceptions or limited pathways, he regretted. Given this, he believed that the offer of such scholarships will definitely attract Chinese youths to choose to be part of Sarawak's security and defence forces. 'By opening up these opportunities, we will encourage a new generation of Sarawakians, regardless of ethnic background or educational stream, to contribute to our state's security and resilience. 'It is also a powerful way to promote inclusivity and shared responsibility in safeguarding Sarawak's future,' said Tiang. He said Sarawak must continue to lead by example in shaping a society that values service, unity and excellence, adding that this initiative is a bold step in that direction.
Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Glory should be our next destination': Snowdan supports Sandhurst plan, proposed revival of Sarawak Rangers
Snowdan says the legacy of bravery once exemplified by the Sarawak Rangers in the 19th century still lives on, especially among surviving members and their descendants. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 4): The proposal to revive the historic Sarawak Rangers and offer scholarships for Sarawakian youths to study at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom has gained strong support from State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan. The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth Chief said the legacy of bravery once exemplified by the Sarawak Rangers in the 19th century still lives on, especially among surviving members and their descendants. 'While the idea is still taking shape in our minds and discussions, it is only right that it be revived sooner rather than later,' he said in a statement responding to a recent call by Works Minister and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who proposed reviving the Sarawak Rangers as a dedicated security corps to bolster protection in inland and border regions. Snowdan emphasised that the proposed corps would not compete with the Malaysian Armed Forces, but rather serve as a complementary force. 'I also agree with his (Nanta) view that this initiative would strengthen, not compete with, our existing military forces,' he said. He also welcomed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's announcement that the state is exploring the possibility of offering scholarships for Sarawakian youth to pursue military training at Sandhurst. Calling the initiative both 'realistic and within reach', Snowdan said it would significantly strengthen Sarawak's long-term security capacity across multiple domains. 'I strongly support this practical proposal, especially considering our vast physical landscape and the need for security in areas such as border protection, assets, the cyber realm, and the safety of our scattered rural populations,' he said. Snowdan noted that the aim is not just military preparedness, but also cultivating leadership and professional knowledge applicable to enforcement and national security. 'We want to equip our youth with knowledge not just in military and police theory but also in leadership and areas such as commercial crime, surveillance, and tackling global security threats,' he said. He added that Sarawak already has a solid institutional base, citing the Sarawak Coast Guard and the Unit for Other Religions and Security (UPKS) as examples of the state's proactive approach to internal security. 'Now we should focus on developing our personnel and leadership. Within our diverse population, we are not short of talents. 'Glory should be our next destination ― and Sandhurst is the journey.' lead Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Sarawak Rangers Snowdan Lawan
New Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sarawak offers scholarships for security studies at UK's Sandhurst
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is ready to offer scholarships to Sarawakians interested in pursuing a career in security to further their studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the move is part of the state government's efforts to develop the talents of its young people to meet security needs. "At least they have the discipline... discipline and also new security theories. It's not that we want to establish our own army, but it's a matter of talent training. They can then work with the police, with the army, or work with us at UKPS (Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit)," he said. Speaking at the Sarawak Command Net (SCNET) launching ceremony in conjunction with the Eighth Anniversary celebration of UKPS here tonight, he said the establishment of UKPS was not intended to take over security powers from the federal government but rather to complement the state's needs. "Security powers are under the federal government. We are only helping with the existing level so that we feel safe with coordination between security agencies under the federal government," he said. Abang Johari said Sarawak has a very long coastal area, and this presents a challenge to be fully monitored by security agencies under the federal government and needs the assistance of the state government. He said the state also has many rivers that are not under the control of federal enforcement agency, and this matter can be addressed through the establishment of the Sarawak Coast Guard, which was established in 2019. "Our work now is to help us all make Sarawak a peaceful and prosperous area," he said. According to him, the launch of SCNET is an initial step for Sarawak to form a more sophisticated security communication network as part of the initiative to defend the state's security. "We can work with responsible parties for the sake of the sovereignty of Malaysia… this is what is important. The sovereignty of the country of Malaysia," he added. - BERNAMA
Ammon
28-06-2025
- General
- Ammon
Crown Prince marks 31st birthday
Ammon News - Today, Saturday, marks the 31st birthday of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, the eldest son of Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, and the 42nd-generation direct descendant of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). His Royal Highness was born in Amman on 19 Muharram 1415 AH, corresponding to June 28, 1994. HRH the Crown Prince, who holds the rank of major in the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, graduated in 2017 from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. HRH completed his High School education at King's Academy, Jordan, in 2012 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in International History from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C, in 2016. On July 2, 2009, a royal decree was issued naming His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Jordan. Since then, His Royal Highness has also assumed the role of Regent to His Majesty King Abdullah II on several occasions. On June 1, 2023, His Royal Highness married Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein. On August 3, 2024, Their Royal Highnesses welcomed their firstborn daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Iman bint Al Hussein bin Abdullah II.
