The book argues that Western military expatriates, who have supported the Emirati military forces over more than 50 years, have played a crucial yet bounded role in elevating the UAE's military capabilities to the point today where it is recognised as the pre-eminent Arab military force.

Athol Yates heads the Institute for International and Civil Security at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi. His research focuses on the UAE's internal security and national security policy, military history, and defence industry. He is the author of books on the history of the UAE security forces, including Evolution of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates and The Military and Police Forces of the Trucial States and United Arab Emirates 1951-1980.