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UAE
Abu Dhabi's powerful Ghobash, the family behind the UAE's 'Foreign Legion' project

The creation of a Foreign Legion within the UAE armed forces is being masterminded behind the scenes by the powerful Ghobash family, connected to Abu Dhabi's business, political and diplomatic power centres. [...]

Published on 18.03.2024 at 04:00 GMT Reading time 3 minutes

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International Dealmaking

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Aban Investment
Abdel Halim Khaddam
Airbus Group
Al Nahyan
Brioche Doree
Burger King
Commercial Bank of Dubai
Emitac Healthcare Solutions
Freddy Riaud
Gerald Ford
Ghobash
Ghobash Al Marri
Ghobash Group
Ghobash Trading & Investment
Gulf Business Solutions
Juman Energy Group
Manar Military Co
Manar Military Consultancy
Mubadala
National Space Science and Technology Center
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Omar Saïf Ghobash
Saeed Ahmed Ghobash
Saïf Saeed Ghobash
Saudi Aramco
SSP Emirates
Tawazun
UAE Space Agency
United Arab Emirates University
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

France, UAE
French ex-commando setting up Emirates' secret 'Foreign Legion'

Intelligence Online can reveal that a French former special forces member is creating a new elite unit for the UAE of at least 3,000 foreign recruits and modelled on the French Foreign Legion. Informed of the project, France's ministry of armed forces has not responded.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 15.03.2024

A job advertisement for a Foreign Legion Operator has been circulating among French Special Forces veterans for several days. The document was created on 21 February 2024.

Spymaster | UAE
The Al Mubaraks, a clan devoted to serving Abu Dhabi's most secret interests

Although not royals themselves, members of the Al Mubarak clan are the Al Nahyan ruling family's closest advisers. As well as showcasing Abu Dhabi to the world, siblings Khaldoon, Razan and Mohammed each oversee areas of utmost importance to the emirate.

Subscribers only Government Intelligence 13.10.2023

UAE
Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan further makes his mark in strategic affairs

Though he has no official role, the discreet son of Emirati president Mohammed bin Zayed has been quietly gaining his stride within his father's innermost circle to reach the heart of his most sensitive diplomatic agenda.

Subscribers only Government Intelligence 22.05.2023

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is received by French President Emmanuel Macron prior to a meeting at the Elysée Palace, 11 May 2023.

UAE
Sofia Lasky, Tahnoon bin Zayed's trusted financial adviser

Over the years, the discreet financier has become the behind-the-scenes strategist at the heart Tahnoon bin Zayed's vast investment empire, earning her a seat on the board of numerous Abu Dhabi investment funds.

Subscribers only Corporate Intelligence 12.05.2022

Financier Sofia Lasky, who was appointed to the board of Abu Dhabi-based real estate firm Aldar Properties on 12 April 2022.

Spotlight | Russia, UAE
Abu Dhabi keeps its eye on oil, special operations and the Russian Arctic in its dealings with Moscow

After investing heavily in Russia, the UAE is remaining resolutely neutral on the former's invasion of Ukraine, with an eye to advancing several strategic interests, from investment funds to Arctic shipping routes.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 08.03.2022

Russia's Vladimir Putin and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 15 October 2019.

France, UAE
Manar Military Consultancy opens up Emirati market for French naval defence industry

The advisory firm founded by former French special forces operator Freddy Riaud is trying to win a contract with the UAE's Tawazun to conduct a preliminary study for the future construction of an ammunition recycling plant.

Subscribers only International Dealmaking 11.02.2022

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Aban Investment
Abdel Halim Khaddam
Airbus Group
Al Nahyan
Brioche Doree
Burger King
Commercial Bank of Dubai
Emitac Healthcare Solutions
Freddy Riaud
Gerald Ford
Ghobash
Ghobash Al Marri
Ghobash Group
Ghobash Trading & Investment
Gulf Business Solutions
Juman Energy Group
Manar Military Co
Manar Military Consultancy
Mubadala
National Space Science and Technology Center
Nawwaf Ghobash
Omar Saïf Ghobash
Saeed Ahmed Ghobash
Saïf Saeed Ghobash
Saudi Aramco
SSP Emirates
Tawazun
UAE Space Agency
United Arab Emirates University
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

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Abu Dhabi's powerful Ghobash, the family behind the UAE's 'Foreign Legion' project

This article may be accessed by subscribers

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create a free account

Set up email notifications for these topics

France, UAE
French ex-commando setting up Emirates' secret 'Foreign Legion'

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Subscription

Indigo Publications' websites

Ukraine Jamming wars

China, Europe, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, United States The geopolitical power plays in Earth observation

Armenia, Azerbaijan, France Information wars in the Caucasus

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UAE Abu Dhabi's powerful Ghobash, the family behind the UAE's 'Foreign Legion' project

This article may be accessed by subscribers

Do you want a free trial before subscribing?

Create your free account

create a free account

Set up email notifications for these topics

France, UAE French ex-commando setting up Emirates' secret 'Foreign Legion'

Spymaster | UAE The Al Mubaraks, a clan devoted to serving Abu Dhabi's most secret interests

UAE Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan further makes his mark in strategic affairs

UAE Sofia Lasky, Tahnoon bin Zayed's trusted financial adviser

Spotlight | Russia, UAE Abu Dhabi keeps its eye on oil, special operations and the Russian Arctic in its dealings with Moscow

France, UAE Manar Military Consultancy opens up Emirati market for French naval defence industry

Set up email notifications for these topics

About Intelligence Online

Subscription

Intelligence Online on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

Ukraine
Jamming wars

China, Europe, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, United States
The geopolitical power plays in Earth observation

Armenia, Azerbaijan, France
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Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan further makes his mark in strategic affairs

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Manar Military Consultancy opens up Emirati market for French naval defence industry