“Little Sparta” is a new long documentary that derives its name from a statement made by one of the high ranking generals of the international coalition who referred to the UAE as Little Sparta to symbolize the UAE’s armed forces in this (country with tiny area) as an active and impressive force in the military operations in the war against Daesh (ISIL). Sparta was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece, known for its fighting prowess, became the dominant military power despite the limited number of its army who faced the Persians who had ambition of expanding into Europe, and defeated them in a way that revealed their valor, courage and exceptional training. Based on this, the Emirati writer and director Mansour Al Yabhooni Al Dhaheri projects his vision through profound historical reading of the region, documenting its history with highly professional technique, using the state-of-the-art and modern cinematic production tools. Not to mention the documentary script as if you’re browsing through an interesting book. The book which consists of 9 chapters includes an introduction and title for each chapter and a conclusion including the objective and mission of this document. “Little Sparta” is a documentary epic film which is based on the idea that countries are not measured by their size or area, but rather by the strength of their peoples and their deep conviction that by persistence and diligence nations are built. To explain this idea, the film documents numerous facts that manifest itself in a highly professionally and clearly written script that starts with the story of the creation of the universe, and man’s struggle for survival in a harsh environment where man was forced to invent tools to protect himself. And here lies the sin! The film’s 9 chapters moves through from one historical era to another through pictures and documents that represent the eternal conflict between the forces of good and evil. It starts with the story of Sparta and the victory of its small regiment over the Persian Empire thanks to their training and determination, and moves into the emergence of Islam and its inspiration of hundreds of thousands of people and its spread in the region and its surroundings. It is known that the forces of evil has been ambushing their neighbors and taking advantage to assault them in order to move back to the era of the Kingdom of Ormus. Once again these forces of evil are seeking to control their neighbors through playing on the contradictions and disputes of the empires of that era, but a new victory for the forces of good over evil thanks to the vigilance and coalition of the Arab neighboring countries who overcame that aggression. Moving again to our contemporary age with a brief snapshot of the UAE history and its development, the film highlights with sight and sound one of the most important factors of prosperity in the country as a result of the harmony and peaceful coexistence among members of the society, as well as the tolerance whose foundations were laid down by its rulers the sheikhs and its citizens and residents who are provided with decent livelihoods. This scene was preceded by reference to the emergence of the radical and extremist groups in the world and the region who falsely claim to represent Islam. In the light of these two contradictory scenes, the film explains why the nickname “Little Sparta” was used by the international coalition leaders in the war against Daesh, as a symbol of the UAE armed forces soldiers and officers’ valor and the impact they created in this war despite the small size of the country. The film also narrates the history of UAE’s participation in peacekeeping operations, defense of world peace and security, and humanitarian relief operations, documented by events and photos and highlighting the pivotal role played by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces in supporting and sponsoring development and progress the UAE military establishment over 30 years in all fields. Along the same line, and in a special chapter, the film documents the UAE participation in the Saudi-led Operation Decisive Storm to support the legitimate authorities in Yemen, and the role of its wise leadership of His Majesty Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The script also highlighted the humanitarian and national aspects of this war through showing expressive moments about the visits made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and his brothers the Sheikhs to the mourning majlis to offer condolences to the families of the Emirati martyrs, which highlights the unity between the leadership and citizens to affirm their solidarity, as well their visits to the wounded and injured Armed Forces servicemen who have shown courage, patriotism, and dedication to their home country and leadership. The film closes with highlighting some facts that the UAE’s belief was built on since its creation at the hands of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan up to the empowerment phase under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan - President of the UAE. What makes the UAE unique, according to current and former U.S. military officials, is a combination of great oil wealth, which has allowed the country to buy advanced weapons and fund extensive training programs, and a willingness to put its personnel and equipment in harm’s way by participating in coalition operations. As a tiny nation on the Arabian Peninsula comprising seven sometimes-fractious emirates led by different royal families, the UAE could have opted to go the way of other small countries in its neighborhood by building a modest military focused on domestic security and instead turning to the regional powerhouse - Saudi Arabia - for protection from Iran and other external threats. But Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, the emirate that manages the country’s defense and foreign policy, did not want to be beholden to the Saudis. It was part pragmatism, part pride: As the UAE has become more prosperous - not just through oil, but also as a regional hub for commerce and finance - Zayed has sought to build an equally influential military that can project power well beyond its borders. The UAE’s enthusiasm to attack the Islamic State is rooted in the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward Islamic militancy. Although home-grown extremist groups do not appear to pose much of a threat to the leadership in Abu Dhabi - the country possess an extensive and aggressive internal-security service - Emirati officials are concerned that civil wars in Syria, Libya and other parts of the Arab world threatens their stability and prosperity.