Union Fortress Live Military Demonstration held at Abu Dhabi’s Corniche

Spectators take pictures of Emirati planes performing in an airshow as part of the "Union Fortress Live Military Demonstration", at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, in Abu Dhabi. (Newzar Balout/AFP)

Updated on: Mar 03, 2017 7:29 PM IST

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Spectators take pictures of Emirati planes performing in an airshow as part of the "Union Fortress Live Military Demonstration", at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, in Abu Dhabi. (Newzar Balout/AFP)

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A choreographed military exercise in the capital of the United Arab Emirates drew hundreds of cellphone-filming onlookers Thursday - but they weren’t the only intended audience for the re-enactment of a hostage rescue. (Nezar Balout/AFP)

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The pinpoint parachute drop and fast-rope assault on a ship from a helicopter, all overseen by a buzzing drone, showed the technical prowess of the UAE’s military at a time when Gulf Arab countries are increasingly skeptical of Iran. (Nezar Balout/AFP)

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While hosting some 5,000 American troops, the UAE seeks to send a message to Iran that it remains capable of defending itself and launching assaults with its forces. (Nezar Balout/AFP)

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That comes as Iran conducts military drills of its own and questions remain what approach U.S. President Donald Trump will take with the Islamic Republic. (Nezar Balout/AFP)

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The Emirati forces are now battle-hardened from the Saudi-led war in Yemen and the experience gained while serving in the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan. (Nezar Balout/AFP)

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Thursday’s maneuvers, called Union Fortress, took place along Abu Dhabi’s seaside corniche. (Nezar Balout/AFP)

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It featured fighter jets, helicopters and a mock seaborne hostage rescue performed by Emirati troops. (REUTERS)

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Last month, the UAE performed a staged assault as part of a biennial arms’ fair called the International Defense Exhibition and Conference, known by the acronym IDEX. However, such maneuvers before the public are rare in the United Arab Emirates. (REUTERS)

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Flame is seen after an air strike simulation during a military show by UAE Armed Forces in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It offered no back story for the assault on the ship, other than a narrator describing a hostage-taking on board. (REUTERS)

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Aircrafts perform during the military show by UAE Armed Forces. Then came the theatrical gunfire on the shore, strafing runs by helicopters and armored carriers racing troops past onlookers for a raid. (REUTERS)

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Military stunt pilots fly in formation during an exercise in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, hosted a major military exercise Thursday before a public audience as the nation fights alongside Saudi troops in Yemen and tensions with Iran remain high. (Jon Gambrell/AP)

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Members of UAE Armed Forces demonstrate their skills. An announcer offered poetry during some of the assault, while children wearing military uniforms played in the sand amid the explosions. (REUTERS)