How western veterans helped the UAE build one of the region's most adept military forces
For more than six decades, since before the UAE’s founding, thousands of western veterans have served alongside Emirati forces, helping build a formidable military and producing a force regarded as one of the region’s most capable. The UAE has a tradition of hiring residents to train and work alongside its own military personnel. Pakistan has long been a handy source of expertise but western…
For over six decades, western veterans have played a crucial role in shaping the military capabilities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over 5,000 military expatriates from the UK and the US alone have served or worked alongside the UAE Armed Forces since the nation's founding. According to a new book titled "Western Military Expatriates in the Armed Forces of the UAE: History and Impact, 1965–2024," these foreign personnel have been instrumental in building one of the region's most adept military forces.
The book, written by Dr Athol Yates, an associate professor of international and civil security at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, delves into the experiences and contributions of these veterans across different eras. Dr Yates notes that unlike traditional chain-of-command roles, western expatriates often served as advisers, trainers, and system commissioners, bringing specialized expertise to the UAE force.
One such veteran is Adrian Raisbeck, a 53-year-old Malawi-born former British Royal Marine. Raisbeck found himself operating in a culturally diverse environment when he arrived in the UAE in the early 2000s. Initially struggling to bridge cultural divides and convey his knowledge to Emirati leaders, Raisbeck eventually realized the importance of building personal relationships with his colleagues.
By learning Arabic and engaging in social activities, Raisbeck was able to strengthen his influence and effectively communicate his expertise.
Another veteran, Darren Boudreau, a 56-year-old former British Royal Marine, found that adapting to the cultural context was crucial for his role in teaching military helicopter pilots. Boudreau emphasized the importance of not being overly disciplined, as such an approach was ineffective in the unique cultural context of the UAE. By focusing on teaching skills and supporting the Emirati personnel in achieving their goals, Boudreau was able to foster a more effective working relationship.
The UAE's tradition of hiring residents to train and work alongside its military personnel dates back decades, allowing the country to accelerate the development of its armed forces. Dr Yates suggests that this approach was more effective than organic growth, which would have taken significantly longer. Western expatriates have played diverse roles in the UAE military, acting as consultants, trainers, and system commissioners, among other responsibilities.
These expatriates bring specific capabilities to the table and help modernize the military, but their influence remains limited to the adviser, trainer, and system commissioner categories, with few exceptions.
While there have been a few notable exceptions, such as five western expatriates who died while serving in the UAE, the vast majority found their experiences to be valuable and enjoyable. Many appreciated the autonomy they had compared to their previous roles and the opportunity to learn and grow within a culturally rich environment.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
