Emirati awarded Australian military honour for first time

Australia has awarded UAE Staff Major General (Ret.) Mubarak Ali Al Neyadi with the Australian Military Medal, making him the first Emirati to receive the honour. 

The recognition is in appreciation of his "outstanding" role in strengthening military cooperation and his contributions to peacekeeping efforts between the friendly nations, in what the Emirati state news agency described as a step that reflects the deep relations between the UAE and Australia.

Colonel Dean Clark, the Australian Defence Attaché to the UAE, expressed his country’s appreciation for Al Neyadi’s distinguished efforts in enhancing military relations between Australia and the UAE during the award ceremony.

Ridwan Jadwat, Australian Ambassador to the UAE, said that awarding the medal to Major General (Ret.) Mubarak Ali Al Neyadi reflects his "distinguished role in building trust, consolidating military cooperation, and bringing the perspectives of the two countries closer than ever before".

The medal was presented to Al Neyadi during an official ceremony held at the Australian Ambassador’s residence in Abu Dhabi, attended by several military and diplomatic officials from both countries. This honour marks an important step toward strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries in the fields of defence cooperation, joint military training and exchange of expertise.