Old Bastakia

Dubai Defense Force Passing Out Parade 1972

Provisional UAE Constitution gave the Ruler of each Emirate the right to establish their own Security Force. In 1971 the Trucial Oman Scouts was the only security force in Dubai. HH Sheikh Rashid used the Trucial Oman Scouts as the nucleus of his new Dubai Defence Force (DDF).

DDF was based in a military compound adjacent to an old Abu Dhabi Road roundabout. The area became known as Defence Roundabout. Now it's the first interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road.

......Peter was 6 years old. He wanted to go to the DDF Passing Out Parade.....

Dubai Defense Force began training new Recruits. Each month DDF held a Passing Out Parade for these new Recruits at the DDF Military Compound near the Defence Roundabout. The Public was invited to attend and given formal "Passing Out Parade" Invitations

DDF Headquarters apologised and said children could not attend DDF Passing Out Parades, BUT make sure Peter is outside his house at 0700 hours next Friday morning. He was!

At 0700 hours the Dubai Defence Force Band came marching down the road followed by the latest squad of Recruits. It was "Eyes Left!" as they marched past Peter standing by the roadside, before marching off towards Jumeirah Beach Road.

An unforgettable experience for a 6 year old boy.

Sheikh Rashid