From across the UAE, hundreds pay tribute to Emirati serviceman

Emiratis from across the UAE came to the funeral service as a tribute to their compatriot, Saif Al Falasi, who died in combat in Yemen.

A mourner is comforted during the funeral service in Dubai for Saif Al Falasi. Antonie Robertson / The National

DUBAI // Tributes poured in from throughout the country on Tuesday for the third Emirati soldier to die in Operation Restoring Hope.

Saif Youssef Ahmed Al Falasi, 35, a father of five, was killed in Yemen on Tuesday morning. He was laid to rest last night in Dubai.

The officer was the son and brother of every Emirati, said one of the mourners, Khalifah Omar, from Sharjah. “His death is not in vain. His name will be forever remembered. I pray for him and for his family.”

The officer’s body, wrapped in the flag of his country, had arrived on board a military plane at Al Bateen airport in Abu Dhabi. He was taken to Alia Sultan Lootah Mosque in Dubai, where dozens of people rushed to the car to help in carrying the body inside the mosque.

Emiratis from across the UAE came to the funeral service as a tribute to their compatriot. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister for Culture, Youth and Community Development, also joined the crowds and family members in prayers.

One mourner, Bakhit Al Katbi, from Sharjah, said: “I didn’t know him, but I came to pray for him and pay my respects.” Emiratis will give their lives to fight for freedom, and to help their Arab brothers, said Mr Al Katbi.

“He is the third hero who died in the line of duty. He brought our nation and his family great pride and honour.”

After the isha prayers, a family member recited the prayers for Al Falasi’s funeral, after which crowds gathered around as the body was taken by car to Al Qusais cemetery for the burial.

Saif Hasan, from Abu Dhabi, one of the dead officer’s military comrades, came to participate in the service. “Saif was known for his kindness and good virtues. May he rest in peace,” he said.

Ali Hussein, 19, from Al Warqa, was in tears as he watched the crowds leaving the mosque and heading for the cemetery.

“His death, and the death of the other two heroes, makes me want to join the Army after I finish my studies,” he said.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Foreign Minister, said on Twitter: “ Saif Al Falasi has sacrificed himself to defend the rights of Arabs, may he rest in peace. My condolences to his family.”

Al Falasi was the second Emirati officer to die in Yemen. Lt Abdul Aziz Sarhan Saleh Al Ka’abi, from Al Ain, was killed while serving as part of the operation late last week.

Last month, non-commissioned officer Hazim Obaid Al Ali, 40, died in Saudi Arabia during training exercises for the conflict. The operation, led by Saudi Arabia, is aimed at restoring to power the internationally recognised government of president Abdrabu Mansur Hadi.

After the announcement of the serviceman’s death, thousands of people took to Twitter to offer their condolences to the UAE and the Falasi family using the Arabic hashtag #Martyr_Emirates_Saif_AlFalasi, which was the top trending tweet in the country.

Photos spread online of him in his uniform and with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Among those offering their condolences on Twitter was Lt Gen Dhahi Khalfan, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, who said: “May Saif Al Falasi’s soul rest in peace. Condolences to his parents and relatives. To God we belong, and to God we shall return.”

The General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments also expressed its condolences and its feelings of pride in the UAE leadership and Armed Forces.

Dr Mohammed Mattar Al Kaabi, head of the authority, said: “In these difficult times for Yemen, which are a source of concern to our nations and societies, the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments confirms its steadfast commitment to religious precepts and the values associated with martyrdom and the elevated standing of martyrs before Allah and in the memory of the nation and future generations.”

Hessa Abdullah, mother of the Emirati police officer First Lt Tariq Al Shehi, who was killed in an attack in Bahrain in May of last year, wrote a moving letter to Al Falasi's mother.

“I don’t know if I should congratulate you or comfort you. If our hearts and souls cried, it is for honour and pride in our martyrs,” she wrote, according to the Arabic news website 24.ae.

* The story has been amended since it was first published.