Photo: Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan greets the soldiers

The UAE people offered a warm welcome to the first contingent of  solders returning from Yemen, after taking part in the Saudi-led coalition Operation Restoring peace, on Saturday. Read on to see how the events unfolded:

Best of luck to the next batch of soldiers

 “I would like to wish our brothers who resumed their national duties on November 2^ndthe best of luck. These soldiers will build on what we embarked on in Yemen and I have complete faith in them. We are not any better than any of these soldiers and I am certain that they will make us all proud," said one of the returning UAE soldiers.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid said: “We are proud of our soldiers and proud of everything they have achieved. These soldiers proved to be faithful and loyal to the country. They have risen as our true icons of patriotism and have made us all exceptionally proud; we will eternally be grateful for all of their achievements. They stood in solidarity with their Yemeni brothers, and that’s the true spirit. Our aim was never to kill anyone; we only want to restore legitimacy back to Yemen."

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces are currently greeting each soldier and personally shaking hands with each one of them.

Mohammad Bin Rashid, Mohammad Bin Zayed witness celebrations

Amidst enthusiastic cheers and zealous flag-waving, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces witnessed celebrations to welcome the first batch of UAE Armed Forces which were replaced with a second team that commenced its work in Yemen on November 2.

Over 10,000 Emiratis and residents at the Swaihan Military Camp greeted the 15-kilometre military convoy returning from Yemen after departing from the Ghuwaifat (UAE-KSA) border at 6 am today (Saturday).

After nine months of military service in Yemen, the troops returned to a spectacular parade attended by the UAE’s leaders, top officials and proud citizens.

GN