In the life of every nation, there are moments when character is tested in full view of the entire world, and when the strength of that nation's leadership, people, and institutions is revealed under unusual circumstances. This book describes such a moment for the United Arab Emirates. It recounts a period of grave danger, but it is not, at heart, a book about danger. It is a book about resilience and resolve. It is about leadership that remained visible, institutions that remained effective, and a society that remained calm, united, and purposeful.
Augie Fabela writes not as a distant commentator, but as a witness — one who chose to stand in solidarity with the country he calls home. He writes as a businessman, a family man, a leader, and an eyewitness to a defining moment. He also writes as someone who came to admire, at close range, the courage and character of the UAE at a time of extraordinary challenge. That gives his work a human quality that makes it especially powerful.
Augie Fabela dedicates this book to the people of the UAE, to his family, and to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This is deeply meaningful, as the strong connections between these three elements are what make the UAE unique in the world. Cohesive families play a vital role in nurturing love of country, responsibility for its present and future, and hope and confidence in the face of life's adversity. At the same time, the people of the UAE, nationals and residents alike, have always looked to the future. They have long been strong advocates for peace, progress, and coexistence in our country, our region, and the world.
We are fortunate in this Country to have the wise leadership of the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His Highness's leadership reflects a strong conviction that our people must stand at the vanguard of all efforts to achieve our national goals. The President continually emphasizes that the future of our Country is tied to the abilities of our people. We appreciate His Highness's continued emphasis on nurturing excellence, leadership, and achievement in service to the UAE. We owe our Leaders a deep debt of gratitude for fostering a national environment defined by pride, opportunity, and shared purpose.
Together, our Leaders, our people, and our families have shaped the UAE into a land of opportunity, hospitality, and mutual respect, rooted in innovation, determination, and patriotism. It is a nation that has long stood as a crossroads for people, ideas, and commerce, welcoming all with openness and generosity.
Readers of this book will encounter these traits and values in action. They will see a nation well prepared. They will see strong trust between leadership and society, and a deep sense of solidarity and resilience. They will observe how public life continued with purpose, how communities supported one another, and how excellence endured even in the face of adversity. Above all, they will see that the UAE's story is one of enduring values: courage, steadiness, and openness, empowered by wise leaders, strong families, thriving communities, and confidence in the future.
This is why the title Tenacity is so fitting. Tenacity is more than steadfastness and endurance. It is the refusal to let fear define the future. It is the quiet strength to stand firm, to act wisely, and to emerge stronger. It is the ability to withstand adversity, preserve dignity and unity, protect life, and continue moving forward with confidence and optimism.
I recommend this book to all who wish to understand current events in the UAE, and to all who seek lessons in leadership in the face of unprovoked aggression. This timely and valuable work stands as a tribute to the UAE: its leadership, its people, and the values that define it. The lessons this book offers extend beyond the UAE, speaking to all nations navigating uncertainty in an interconnected world.