Evolution of Emirati Defence Attachés Roles

Abstract

This thesis investigates the evolution of the roles undertaken by Emirati defence attachés, a topic that has received little scholarly attention despite the increasing strategic and diplomatic visibility of the United Arab Emirates on the global stage. Historically, defence attachés were tasked primarily with military liaison and intelligence gathering; however, this research explores how and why these roles have expanded over time. The central research questions guiding this research are: how have the roles of Emirati defence attachés changed over time? and why have the roles of Emirati defence attachés changed over time?

The research addresses a critical gap in the literature on military diplomacy, particularly in the context of the Gulf region. While defence attachés from Western nations have been studied in terms of their dual military and diplomatic roles, there has been no comparable analysis of Emirati defence attachés, whose evolving responsibilities reflect both internal national priorities and the external demands of host countries. This absence of research poses a challenge to policymakers seeking to optimise the utility of defence attachés within broader foreign policy and security frameworks.

Adopting a qualitative methodology, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with current and retired Emirati and Western defence attachés, supported by historical and contextual analysis. Findings confirm that Emirati defence attachés have transitioned from narrowly defined military roles to broader diplomatic functions, including promoting national defence industries (e.g. EDGE), participating in multilateral forums, and supporting civil-diplomatic initiatives. The study also finds that these changes are primarily driven by top-down strategic directives from the UAE leadership, with host country regimes playing a secondary, though still relevant, in shaping the role.

By contributing new empirical insights, this thesis advances understanding of the strategic function of Emirati defence attachés and offers a valuable case study in the evolution of military diplomacy in a non-Western context.

Date of Award	Jun 2025
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Brendon Cannon (Supervisor)