After five years of research and writing, Dr. Athol Yates, Assistant Professor at Khalifa University, has published his book titled ‘The Evolution of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates.’ A scholarly publication with an excellent military history publisher, Dr. Yates’ book is the first to cover this important and unique part of UAE history.
“While today the UAE military is described admiringly as the Arab region’s most capable military, just 60 years ago, the only security forces in the Emirates were the armed retainers of the Ruling Sheikhs and a small British-led, locally-raised Arab force,” explained Dr. Yates. “Using a combination of direct oversight by the rulers, investment in its nationals, engagement of expatriates, and the purchase of cutting edge military hardware, the UAE Armed Forces has created a powerful deterrent for states and non-state actors threatening the UAE, and stability and security in the region.”
“In the last decade, the UAE Armed Forces has also gained considerable experience through its military operations undertaken in Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen,” explained Dr. Yates.
Dr. Yates’ new book traces the little-known and fascinating history of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces from 1951 to 2020. It provides unparalleled detail on the constituent forces that evolved in the UAE Armed Forces in 1976, and how the unified force has grown since then. It also provides essential background information on the country, the enduring roles of the military, and the history of each military service, plus details on the political and command structure governing the military, and its manpower and material characteristics.
Jade Sterling
Science Writer
17 January 2021
