The Shooting Support Units Festival yesterday kicked off in Abu Dhabi in presence of senior Armed Forces officers and a large crowd. The event is organized at Sabkhat Al Haffar under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and will run to 4th April. The opening ceremony saw traditional dancing shows performed to the music played by the Armed Forces' musical band. Staff Major General Abdullah Muhair Al Ketbi, Commander of the Shooting Support Units, and senior officers toured the venue of the event where shooting fields and simulators are put on display. They also toured the venue of a co-located exhibition and stopped at the stands of participants such as Abu Dhabi Police, Special Forces, Tawazun Holding, the Military Museum and others. In remarks at the venue, Al Ketbi said organising the event stems from the interest of the Armed Forces in shooting as an essential sport for training and a major complement to theoretical training. The festival is aimed at elevating efficiency and strengthening ties between the Military and the community. The UAE Armed Forces, he added, has always been at the forefront of entities to promote authentic Arab values. The event will see shooting contests, laser shows, fireworks as well as an exhibition for Tawazun's products, such as UAE-made military vehicles and advanced arms.