Western Military Expatriates in the Armed Forces of the UAE : History and Impact, 1965-2024

Today, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces is recognised as the most proficient military set-up in the Arab world, recently engaged in operations in Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen, and in the fight against ISIS.This book examines a pivotal component in how the UAE built such effectiveness: Western military professionals embedded in the Emirati forces.Some of these expatriates have commanded major military formations, others served as high-ranking staff, piloted front-line aircraft, developed and delivered training, or advised senior Emirati officers. The first such individuals arrived in 1965, when they were engaged to establish the state’s initial professional military force.Expatriates have since served continuously to the present day.This volume traces their history through 14 case studies, covering the period between 1965 and 2023.It offers a comprehensive picture of the expatriates’ backgrounds, the rationale behind their recruitment, and how they have been utilized.This inf