“New Era in Defense: Saudi Arabia Unveils Unified Military Command Headquarters in Riyadh”

Under the auspices of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense, officially inaugurated the headquarters of the Unified Military Command (UMC) in Riyadh on Monday, attended by the Defense Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.

Upon his arrival at the location, the Deputy Minister of Defense was warmly welcomed by GCC Secretary General Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf; Commander of the GCC Unified Military Command, Lieutenant-General Eid bin Awad Al-Shalawi, along with several senior officials from the UMC, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

In his opening address, the Commander of the GCC Unified Military Command expressed gratitude towards the GCC Ministers of Defense for attending this significant event marking the inauguration of the new UMC headquarters, and extended his congratulations to the team on the successful execution of the collaborative GCC defense initiatives.

Subsequently, the distinguished defense leaders and senior officials were presented with an overview of the responsibilities and functions of the Unified Military Command, its associated units, and the initiatives undertaken in this domain.

At the conclusion of the event, the Deputy Minister of Defense revealed the commemorative plaque marking the inauguration of the headquarters, alongside the Commander of the GCC Unified Military Command who raised the flag of the Unified Military Command.

Following this, a commemorative photo session was conducted.

For his part, Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expressed his gratitude on behalf of the GCC leaders for their unwavering support and active commitment to safeguarding the successful trajectory of the GCC across all sectors, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Unified Military Command (UMC) headquarters in Riyadh.

In a statement following the inauguration ceremony, the GCC Secretary General additionally thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, as well as the government of the Kingdom for hosting the UMC headquarters, affirming that this inauguration stands as one of the most significant military achievements for the GCC, and as a message of peace shaping the future, also underscoring the determination to protect GCC security, stability, and achievements in light of the unified forces of the GCC states comprising air, land, and naval forces alongside air defenses.

The GCC Secretary General further emphasized that this unified command addresses the threats confronting the region, adding that it serves as a deterrent to safeguard citizens and their accomplishments against any external risks that may undermine GCC security and stability.

Dr. Al-Hajraf expressed appreciation to the GCC Ministers of Defense and Chiefs of Staff for their commitment and support towards the Unified Military Command in fulfilling its role to uphold the well-established entity of the GCC in line with the directives of the GCC leaders, wishing success to the command’s leadership, officers, and staff.