King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, received His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, during his visit to Manama.

The meeting was attended by Lieutenant General Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard, and Brigadier General Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Operations.

Sheikh Hamdan also attended the joint military exercise "Bahrain Shield." The exercise was hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force with the participation of the Mohammed bin Zayed Squadron, the armed forces of the GCC member states, and the Peninsula Shield Force.

The exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation, coordination, and integration among the GCC armed forces through operational scenarios and field exercises designed to enhance combat readiness, exchange expertise, and bolster command and control capabilities.

King Hamad and Sheikh Hamdan were briefed on the latest developments and stages of the exercise. The program included integrated drills demonstrating the efficiency and professionalism of the participating forces, highlighting the strength of defensive cooperation among GCC countries.

During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, and several senior officers from the Ministry of Defence.