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ECSSR hosts seminar titled ‘January 17: Resolve and Determination’

Seminar recalls UAE unity and strength after the 2022 Houthi attack

Last updated: January 16, 2026 | 06:13

Abdulla Rasheed, Editor - Abu Dhabi

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The ECSSR seminar recalled the UAE unity and strength after the 2022 Houthi attack.

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Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) on Wednesday hosted a seminar at its headquarters titled “January 17: Resolve and Determination”, as part of its ongoing efforts to highlight key national issues.

The seminar explored the meaning of Emirati resolve and determination as demonstrated during the brutal Houthi attack on the UAE on January 17, 2022. The programme included a keynote address from the Ministry of Defence, delivered by Major General Staff Pilot Saleh Mohammed bin Majren Al Ameri, Commander of the National Guard. He said January 17 has become a pivotal moment in the UAE’s history — not as a day of threat, but as a symbol of resolve and willpower.

He added that on that day the UAE reaffirmed that its security is a red line, built on a strong and integrated system led by wise leadership marked by foresight and determination, protected by its valiant armed forces, and supported by a vigilant and aware society.

Also Read: UAE calls on Yemenis to prioritise wisdom, halt escalation, resolve differences through dialogue

The seminar also featured a panel discussion with Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security; Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council; and Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director General of ECSSR.

In his remarks, Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim said the most important factor in thwarting the terrorist attack was the firm and measured response of the wise leadership, combined with a policy of full transparency that reassured the public and thwarted attempts to disrupt daily life. He praised the strong national unity shown in support of the leadership.

He added that the UAE entered Yemen at the request of its legitimate government to counter Houthi militias and withdrew with honour after liberating vast areas and returning them to their people, stressing that the UAE would never regret the sacrifices made for Yemen.

Also Read: UAE reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia, rejects misuse of name in current events in Yemen

Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi said the handling of the January 17 events reflected the UAE’s high level of readiness to confront challenges, supported by a strong institutional framework operating to the highest professional standards. He also highlighted the country’s strategy to promote coexistence and solidarity at home and abroad.

Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al Nuaimi said January 17 will remain a key part of the UAE’s collective memory and national identity, stressing the role of education in strengthening national cohesion.

The seminar was attended by a wide range of officials, experts, researchers and interested participants.

Abdulla RasheedEditor - Abu Dhabi

Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi  is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News. Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor. A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London. During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad  and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues. Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt. He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.