For several decades, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have worked closely together in the fields of defense and national security. Since 1974, more than 200 Emiratis have graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, one of the most prestigious military schools in the UK. The institution’s graduates include some of the UAE’s most influential leaders, among them Abu Dhabi crown prince His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In recent years, several other members of the ruling family have graduated from the academy.
In addition to welcoming Emiratis at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the UK regularly loans military officers to the Gulf nation to help it shore up its military capabilities. In the same vein, the UAE supports British defense efforts by cooperating with UK intelligence agencies, supporting UN sanctions regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and helping the UK fight money laundering.
Shahram Shirkhani 