Insight and opinion from The National’s editorial leadership
December 01, 2021
Yesterday, the UAE observed a minute's silence to commemorate Emiratis who have given their lives serving their country. The primary memorial ceremony was held at Wahat Al Karama, where many of the country's leaders and senior officials gathered to remember and reflect, and to call on younger generations to maintain the hard-won achievements that the country has secured over the past 50 years.
Opened in 2016, a year after Commemoration Day was established, Wahat Al Karama, or Oasis of Dignity, tells the stories of the UAE's heroes. Its Pavilion of Honour puts those who have given their lives for the country to the fore. Names are engraved on metal recycled from military vehicles. The space is framed by other symbolic structures and words that underpin the country's identity, including verses from the Quran and lines of poetry written by Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, paid tribute to the "heroes that sacrificed their lives for their country”. His remarks came in a social media post yesterday, reflecting the pride and sadness that people feel across the country as they mark this moment. Earlier in the week, Sheikh Mohammed also stressed the need to think particularly of bereaved households. “I call upon all citizens who know a martyr’s family to visit them and support them on this day,” he said, “for it is a sorrowful day for them, as their feelings of loss are remembered."
In Idris Khan's Wahat Al Karama work, heavy grey slabs lean against each other, as if arrested in the process of falling. Victor Besa / The National
Visitors walk at the courtyard of the memorial of Wahat Al Karama opposite to Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. EPA
The work is a memorial to the UAE’s martyred soldiers, titled Wahat Al Karama, or "Oasis of Dignity", by British artist Idris Khan. EPA
A general view for the external part from the memorial of Wahat Al Karama opposite the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. EPA
Visitors walk through the courtyard of the memorial. EPA
Wahat Al Karama opened to popular acclaim in the UAE in 2016, and has been winning critical awards since. EPA
The Pavilion’s internal walls are clad with more than 2,800 aluminium plates, some of which bear the names of the UAE’s fallen soldiers. Victor Besa / The National
In 2018, the German Design Council announced that the memorial received one of their Iconic Awards for architecture, followed by the Codaworx design and art award. EPA
A commercial aircraft flies over Wahat Al Karama. EPA
“The work has started to get a lot of momentum on the global stage,” says Idris Khan. EPA
Sheikh Zayed Mosque as seen from the courtyard of the memorial of Wahat Al Karama. EPA
Wahat Al Karama and Skeih Zayed Grand Mosque are open to the public. EPA
A view of the exhibition at the Wahat Al Karama memorial site. Victor Besa / The National
This year, many people will also be feeling the pain of loss for other reasons. Over the past few months, the country's leaders have also been paying tribute to those who have given their lives fighting in the ongoing battle against Covid-19. The result of their sacrifice, like that of those in the forces, is no less than our safety today.
This legacy of selfless giving started before the country was formed. Commemoration Day falls on November 30 because it was on that day in 1971 that Salem Suhail bin Khamis died fighting against Iranian forces on the island of Greater Tunb. He is believed to be the first Emirati killed in military service.
Over recent years, the country is choosing to remember heroes like bin Khamis in a variety of ways. There is now a Martyrs' Archives project and museums to highlight the sacrifice of fallen soldiers and officers. On a practical level, there is now a Martyrs’ Family Affairs office, which works to ensure that bereaved families are given the care they need.
Taken together, the events, locations, speeches and silences of yesterday showed the many ways people choose honour and pay tribute to those we have lost due to their service. It was a sad day, but one for some reflection too. Many more of these anniversaries will pass, and with each, the country's ongoing progress will be the best reminder that their lives were not lost in vain.
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Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
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19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
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What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
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