KALBA // With eight sons serving in the Armed Forces, Amna Salem Hamdan Al Marashda is a proud mother and a role model for the country, says Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces on Tuesday visited the Al Marashda family at their home in Kalba, Sharjah.
The contributions of Mrs Al Marashda and her children were a source of pride for all Emiratis, said Sheikh Mohammed.
“Every time our Emirati mothers provide a role model and valuable moral lessons in education, sacrifice, loyalty and belonging to the country, words cannot describe or express these stances as they represent very precious meanings,” he said.
“Such kinds of stories should be written in the history of the UAE, as they represent great models that should be narrated to the new generation as well as tell the love of this precious land.
“We all feel proud of her deeds and stances which reflect the meaning of loyalty.”
Sheikh Mohammed – whose visit to the Al Marashda family coincides with The Mother of the Nation Festival – also hailed the courage of the sons of Mrs Al Marashda and her late husband, Humaid Obaid Al Nahm Al Marashda. He praised their persistence in performing their duty on the battlefield under all conditions.
“We feel pride in this family’s principles, which are based on love of the nation and sacrifice for its sake, values that are notably seen in every house in this good land,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
Seven of Mrs Al Marashda’s sons are serving in Yemen and one is stationed in Somalia.
“My youngest son applied to join the military too, but his request was rejected,” said the matriarch, who has nine sons and six daughters.
“They wanted him to stay and take care of me, which is something I refused.
“I personally went and applied on his behalf and they continually refused, so I decided to take matters in my own hand and informed His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, and there he was appreciating me and my family with this memorable visit.
“This is something we never dreamed of. God bless him for his leadership, his kindness and recognition.”
Mrs Al Marashda said her family would be organising a wedding at the end of the month, and Sheikh Mohammed’s visit was a wonderful, early gift.
“My daughter Huda is getting married at the end of the month, and Sheikh Mohammed’s visit is the greatest gift that we can wish for,” she said.
Sheikh Mohammed said the sacrifices of Emiratis and their persistence in carrying out their national duty were a guide for all Emiratis, as they represented the pride of the nation.
The Crown Prince said that the UAE’s development was thanks to the contributions of Emiratis who believed in the country and its principles. Sheikh Mohammed hailed them for their willingness to sacrifice themselves to defend its reputation and promote its position.
“Now it is their right to memorise their names and our generations should be proud of their sacrifices,” he said.
The Al Marashda men said Sheikh Mohammed’s visit made them feel happy and honoured. They said they were all loyal soldiers in serving the country and were united with fellow Emiratis in supporting the country’s leadership.
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Najla bint Mohammed Al Awar, Minister of Community Development, Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, and Lt Gen Isa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces.
The Mother of the Nation Festival runs until April 2.
nalremeithi@thenational.ae
EMIRATES'S REVISED A350 DEPLOYMENT SCHEDULE
Edinburgh: November 4 (unchanged)
Bahrain: November 15 (from September 15); second daily service from January 1
Kuwait: November 15 (from September 16)
Mumbai: January 1 (from October 27)
Ahmedabad: January 1 (from October 27)
Colombo: January 2 (from January 1)
Muscat: March 1 (from December 1)
Lyon: March 1 (from December 1)
Bologna: March 1 (from December 1)
Source: Emirates
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Girls full-contact rugby may be in its infancy in the Middle East, but there are already a number of role models for players to look up to.
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Fuel economy, combined 9.2L / 100km
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Founder: Siddiq Farid and Musfique Ahmed
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech / PropTech
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Current number of staff: 35
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Various institutional investors and notable angel investors (500 MENA, Shurooq, Mada, Seedstar, Tricap)
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Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
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Name: Direct Debit System
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Based: UAE with a subsidiary in the UK
Industry: FinTech
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