On February 9 the UAE welcomed the members of the UAE Armed Forces as they returned from Yemen in an official ceremony. In Abu Dhabi the "faithful falcons", as these thousands of servicemen are called, were honoured in the event attended by the country's leadership.
That day is a proud day for the UAE. The UAE with courage and honour participated in a mission with the aim to bring back the hope and security to Yemen and its people.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the UAE would "remain a bridge to peace and stability, supporting the region's progress of hope for a better life and a better tomorrow". His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and the Ruler of Dubai highly appreciated the servicemen’s work stressing the pride of every hour they made away from their country.
Among the servicemen there were Emirati Red Crescent workers who had been stationed in Yemen. Here it should be stressed that the UAE did not only protect Yemenis from the Houthi insurgency, but also established humanitarian initiatives that directly benefited 17 million people in Yemen. The UAE provided $5.59 billion in aid to Yemen between April 2015 and June 2019.
Within these five years the UAE sacrificed 108 Emirati soldiers. But also helped to train 200,000 Yemeni soldiers as part of the Arab coalition.
The UAE also as a part of the Region, as a country standing for progressive ideas, sustainable development, peace and security joined the coalition to fight back the rebel group, which invited Al Qaeda and armed insurgents into the region. Over five years, the coalition worked to liberate the insurgent-held territories and protected sea passages surrounding the country from naval attacks.
The UAE government remains committed to the coalition and its efforts in the region.
The UAE will continue to show support to the UN and other diplomatic efforts in Yemen.
H.E. Mohamed Alqubaisi
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Baku
