Egypt to send troops to the UAE

Egypt to send troops to the UAE
Egyptian military offers support to the Emirates after receiving extensive economic backing.
2 min read
17 November, 2014
Egypt's military is reportedly helping secure the UAE's borders [Anadolu]

Egyptian infantry and paratroop battalions have reportedly been sent to the United Arab Emirates. The troops arrived in the country after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi [Ar] agreed to a direct request from UAE officials, sources told al-Araby al-Jadeed.

The stated goal of the deployment is to help the UAE secure its borders, and send a message to countries in the region - particularly Iran - that Abu Dhabi is supported militarily by Cairo.

It has yet to be revealed exactly how long the Egyptian troops have been stationed in the UAE, or where exactly they are billeted. The UAE is understood to be paying the battalion's expenses, including salaries.

Egypt's military support come after it received extensive economic backing from the resource-rich Gulf state.

Abu Dhabi has sent $10 billion to Egypt since Sisi overthrew Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, according to statistics from the Dubai Press Club in Cairo. Around $1.5 billion is said to go towards building 50,000 housing units and 100 schools, while the restoration of 25 wheat silos, the construction of 78 nursing homes, and the provision of solar power for 62,000 houses in 70 villages is also planned. It remains unclear how Cairo intends to spend the other $8.5 billion in the package.

In his presidential election campaign, Sisi said he would serve friendly Arab countries "just a road away". This famous phrase drew ire across Egyptian social media, especially after the regime was criticised for its perceived lack of action in stopping the recent war in Gaza.

This article is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.