CNN has hired Sky News journalist Sam Kiley as senior international correspondent based out of its Middle East office in Abu Dhabi.

Kiley, whose journalistic career spans more than three decades, has worked at the BBC, America’s PBS Frontline program and Sky News, first as the network’s defence and security editor, then as Middle East correspondent in Jerusalem, and later as foreign affairs editor.

Having spent an entire tour with British troops fighting in Helmand, Kiley recounted the six-month deployment in his 2009 book, “Desperate Glory,” which was named an Economist Book of the Year.

“Sam is a uniquely experienced correspondent, with an outstanding record of investigative reporting. He has managed bureau, broken major stories and delivered powerful, important documentaries throughout an extraordinary career. He is a formidable addition to our international news gathering operation,” said Deborah Rayner, SVP of international newsgathering for TV & Digital at CNN International.

Becky Anderson, managing editor of CNN Abu Dhabi, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Sam to Abu Dhabi. He has a remarkable portfolio of achievements under his belt and will be a fantastic asset to our reporting across this region.”