After independence of the United Arab Emirates from the United Kingdom on 2nd December 197, the UAE Defence Forces was formed and subsequently the UAE Air Force القوات الجوية الإماراتية was established

Having Headquarters at Bateen AFB, Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence is based at two commands, located in  Abu Dhabi  and Dubai.

Flight training is conducted at Al Ain Air Base, having Grob G115TAs, Pilatus PC-7s and BAE Hawk for jet with helicopter training on the AS350B Ecureuil and SA342 Gazelle helicopters.

The combat assets (fixed wing and helicopters) are based in Al Dhafra Air Force Base. The transport fleet operates from Bateen Air Force Base

The Central Air Command (Dubai) operates out of three airbases covering the west coast of the United Arab Emirates. The transport fleet flies out of Dubai International Airport, with the flight training conducted with Agusta Bell 206s and Aermacchi MB339s.

Jane's Sentinel Security Assessment - The Gulf States (dated: Aug 08, 2011)

Inventory Summary:

• Combat: 143 (total), 130 (in service)
• Transport: 36 (total), 36 (in service)
• Helicopters: 183 (total), 166 (in service)

UAE Navy

The UAE Navy operates AS332 Super Puma's and AS565 Panthers from Bateen AFB.

Police Air Wings

Abu Dhabi Police Air  Wing Department owns 16 aircrafts which offer ambulance and medical services, evacuation, search and rescue, police missions, sea operations, VIP and individuals transportation, infra red night search, and other special TV coverage of some events. Brigadier Commodore Ali Mohammed Al Mazrouei is the director of Air Wing Department.

Dubai Police Air Wing (operating from Dubai International Airport). Director of Air Wing Centre of Dubai Police General Department of Operations, Colonel Abdullah Al Shehi.

Sharjah Police Air Wing (from Sharjah International Airport)

Ras-Al-Khaimah Police Air Wing (from Ras-Al-Khaimah International Airport).