Within a few year Dubai's Defence Force was in a border Stand Off with Abu Dhabi Defence Force
Stand Off lasted 5 days
Discussions between Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Zayed resolved the dispute
Abu Dhai/Dubai Border Crossing 1970s
Image by The National
UAE's Provisional Constitution gave each Emirate Ruler the right to establish their own Security Force.
Trucial Oman Scouts (as they were then called) was the only Security Force in Dubai until 2nd December 1971. On that date UAE's Independence was declared. The Trucial Oman Scouts became "redundant".
Sheikh Rashid established his new Dubai Defence Force (DDF) with soldiers recruited from these "redundant" Trucial Oman Scouts.
DDF established their barracks near the Defence Roundabout on the old Abu Dhabi Road. There new recruits were trained and "passed out" at a monthly parade. The general public could attend by invitation.
Peter was 6 years old. He (back then) loved all things military so when Mum and Dad received their DDF Pass Out Parade Invitation, Peter wanted to go to. DDF were telephoned and asked "Could Peter come too?". DDF Headquarters said children could not attend DDF Passing Out Parades. Then went on to say make sure Peter is outside his house at 0700 hours next Friday morning ------ He was!
Peter's family lived in an apartment block on the road linking Iranian Hospital Road (Al Wasl Road) with Jumeirah Beach Road by Dubai Zoo.
Before 0700 hours the next Friday morning, Peter positioned himself outside the apartment block and waited. Eventually he heard the faint sounds of a Military Band which grew louder.
Then Peter saw the Dubai Defence Force Band turn the corner from Al Wasl Road and march down the road towards him. DDF Band was followed by a squad of DDF Recruits.
As the Parade reached Peter, the Officer in Charge gave the order "Eyes Left!". The Parade saluted Peter as he stood wide eyed. The DDF Band and Recruits marched on to Jumeirah Beach Road until the sound of their music faded.
It was an unforgettable experience for a 6 year old boy.