"The security and the stability of Saudi Arabia was at stake. Hence, the UAE had no choice but to stand by Saudi Arabia in its time of need. There was a collective Gulf need to stand up to expansionist Iran. Yemen was the place to draw the line.
On top of all these geopolitical imperatives, the UAE is in Yemen to send a clear message to all that it is a rising regional soft power that bites, and when it is called upon it knows how to fight the fight.
The UAE’s fighting skills have impressed friends and foes alike. It has even far exceeded everyone’s expectations at home — where it matters the most. The feeling of patriotism is running deep and UAE citizens are rallying behind the flag like they have never done since December 2, 1971.
For these good reasons the UAE is in Yemen, not in a symbolic sense but in an important and tangible way. It is determined to finish the job of restoring the legitimate government and help build a stable and prosperous Yemen."
