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The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the 11th edition of Union Fortress will take place in Liwa City within the Al Dhafra Region during December. According to the ministry, the event carries the theme “An Impregnable Fortress, a Resilient Nation and a Determined People” to illustrate connections between defence capabilities, national endurance and public unity. Preparations follow approved operational plans, with the ministry working alongside multiple participating agencies to deliver a display that underscores the armed forces’ contribution to security and stability. The ministry further indicated that the parade will build on a series that began in 2017 and has since visited every emirate.
Field demonstrations will showcase the advanced equipment, combat readiness and seamless integration among various military units and formations, a ministry assessment found. These exercises aim to reflect the professional standards and technological progress achieved by the UAE Armed Forces in recent years. The ministry noted that such events also promote cooperation with security bodies and other government departments. Previous editions, including the 10th held in Al Ain during December 2024, followed a similar format according to earlier ministry statements.
A dedicated family entertainment village will operate alongside the main parade, the ministry said in its announcement. This area will feature live broadcasts of the demonstrations, along with interactive games, educational exhibitions, workshops and traditional heritage performances for visitors. Organisers have coordinated with government, semi-government and private sector partners to complete venue setup and logistics in the coming weeks. The additional programming seeks to broaden public engagement with national defence themes.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, has reviewed preparations for the show, according to a February 2026 briefing from the Emirates News Agency. His oversight includes detailed presentations on event segments, participant roles and integrated work plans developed by the Presidential Guard Command and organising committee. The ministry added that the location aligns with the area’s history of hosting major national gatherings. Union Fortress 11 will also tie into local festival activities to maximise attendance.
Since its debut on the Abu Dhabi Corniche in 2017, the Union Fortress series has evolved into an annual platform that tours the country, ministry figures show. Each edition has emphasised different aspects of military expertise while reinforcing pride in the armed forces among citizens and residents. The current planning phase focuses on ensuring high standards in both operational displays and public-facing elements. Organisers expect the event to attract large numbers based on turnout at prior parades.
The Ministry of Defence continues to finalise on-site arrangements and has urged the public to monitor official channels for specific dates, access information and safety guidance. Coordination with local authorities will address traffic, crowd management and venue readiness in the Al Dhafra Region. This approach mirrors methods used successfully in Union Fortress 10, which the ministry described as effective for both security and visitor experience. Updates will be issued as the December timeline approaches.
