Welsh Guards Band performs anthem to mark 50th anniversary of the UAE Armed Forces
The Band of the Welsh Guards performed the United Arab Emirates national anthem at Wellington Barracks to mark the 50th anniversary of the UAE Armed Forces Unification.
The performance of Ishy Bilady was filmed at the London barracks, close to Buckingham Palace, and shared by the British Embassy in the UAE.
The anniversary marks the decision taken on 6 May 1976, by former President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Members of the Supreme Council, to unify the UAE's armed forces under one command.
It followed the formation of the UAE on 2 December 1971, when Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah formed a new federation.
Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972, completing the union of the seven emirates.
The earliest organised military presence in the region was established by the British in May 1951.
The Trucial Oman Scouts, known as Trucial Oman Levies prior to 1956, operated under British control until the UAE's independence in 1971. They maintained law and order and protected the oil companies in the region.
Today, the UAE Armed Forces are a relatively small but heavily equipped Gulf military, with around 65,000 personnel.
The UAE Armed Forces include land, naval and air forces, as well as the Presidential Guard.
National service is mandatory for medically fit Emirati men aged 18 to 30.
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