News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024 hosted the unveiling and signing ceremony of the Arabic edition of Dr. Michael Knights’ book ‘The Race for Mukalla: Arabian Elite Forces and the War Against Al-Qaeda’. The book chronicles the bravery of the UAE’s special forces in counter-terrorism operations against Al-Qaeda in Yemen’s city of Mukalla during 2015-2016.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, along with military officials, authors, and media. Dr. Bilal Orfali of the American University of Beirut led a discussion on the book.
The three-part book with 12 chapters provides firsthand accounts from Emirati elite forces involved in liberating the strategic Mukalla region from Al-Qaeda’s control. It highlights the Gulf Arab states’ collaboration with Yemeni forces to prevent extremists from seizing oil-rich areas like Ma’rib.
Author Dr. Michael Knights, a military specialist, expressed gratitude for the book’s Arabic translation by Kalima project. He said the work is among the few documenting the UAE’s courageous military role and capabilities honed over five decades.
Dr. Knights stated the book reflects the strategic vision of UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who emphasized Arab forces protecting the region themselves against extremist forces hijacking Islam.
The unveiling ceremony honored the sacrifices of Emirati martyrs who laid down their lives battling terrorism to secure peace in the region.
