Morocco, UAE Move to Strengthen Military Cooperation Amid Regional Tensions

Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation and expanding their strategic partnership amid growing regional tensions.

The development came during a meeting in Rabat between General Mohamed Berrid, Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and Commander of the Southern Zone, and Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces. The meeting was held under the instructions of King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of the General Staff of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.

Al Mazrouei was leading a high-level UAE delegation participating in the third meeting of the Morocco-UAE Joint Military Committee, held on October 5 and 6. The two sides reviewed the progress achieved in bilateral military cooperation and discussed prospects for further strengthening collaboration.

According to the Moroccan Armed Forces, the officials commended the level reached in military cooperation, particularly in capability development, defence industry and training, including the exchange of expertise. They reaffirmed their determination to further consolidate and develop cooperation in these areas.

During the visit, King Mohammed VI awarded Al Mazrouei the rank of Grand Officer of the Military Order of Merit in recognition of his efforts to strengthen military cooperation between Morocco and the UAE.

The UAE delegation is also scheduled to participate in the Marrakech Air Show 2026, being held from October 7 to 10, further highlighting the growing defence and aerospace cooperation between the two countries.

Morocco and the UAE have maintained defence cooperation for decades, with their first military agreement signed in 1980. Their cooperation has included exchanges of visits, military consultations and discussions on regional and international security issues.

The latest push to deepen military ties comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including the recent deterioration in relations between Algeria and the UAE. Algeria announced on September 10 that it was severing diplomatic relations with Abu Dhabi and subsequently imposed restrictions on UAE-registered civilian and military aircraft.

The strengthening of Morocco-UAE military cooperation underscores the two countries’ continued efforts to enhance their strategic partnership and expand collaboration in defence and security-related fields.