Mourners gather at tents to offer respects to families of fallen soldiers

Ali Hassan Al Hammadi, centre, father of Abdullah Ali Hassan Al Hammadi, receives condolences at Al Jurf in Ajman. Pawan Singh / The National

FUJAIRAH, AJMAN // The outpouring of support, prayers and condolences for the families of the 45 soldiers killed in Yemen on Friday drew people to tents and majlises to pay their respects.

These tents were where the country’s Rulers and leaders met the bereaved families.

A strong sense of social cohesion and community is an essential part of Emirati life and tradition.

The sight of plain white tents outside a home, often erected by neighbours, indicates that a family is grieving and receiving visitors.

“Visiting the family of the deceased is part of tradition and paying respect to the dead, as well as providing support,” said 43-year-old Ali Harreb, an Emirati.

The large number of people who have visited the families of the 45 martyrs means they could not be accommodated at people’s homes.

“Tents are the place where we gather to grieve with another family, where we all stand by each other, even if we don’t know each other,” said Saeed Al Kaabi.

The 37-year-old Emirati visited the family of Jasem Al Saadi in the town of Marbah in Fujairah. Although they did not know the soldier or his family, they felt the need to show their support.

“Jasem gave his soul to the country and all of us should stand by his family and try to support them, even by just paying a visit,” said Mr Al Kaabi, who lives in Fujairah.

In Ajman, a steady stream of mourners visited the tent erected for the family of Abdullah Ali Hassan Al Hammadi, calmly standing in line to shake hands with the soldier’s relatives.

“Sheikh Zayed, may his soul rest in peace, taught us to live in dignity and maintain our customs, traditions and religion,” said Ali Hassan Al Hammadi, the martyr’s father.

“All brothers from the military and Emiratis stand beside me. All sheikhs, soldiers and institutions came to offer their condolences. They considered Abdullah as their son. Their presence beside me eased my grief.”

Mr Al Hammadi’s friend, Ibrahim Al Awadi, helped to organise the mourning tent.

“I had the honour to attend Abdullah’s wedding, and now the honour to attend his condolences. It gives me solace that he is a martyr. Marriage is destiny, but martyrdom is a hope.

“The attendance of our leaders to offer condolences increases our pride and determination for our children to be in the military,” Mr Al Awadi said.

The soldier’s uncle, Ahmad Al Kandari, 41, said visits by the UAE leadership helped to cement the bond between citizens and their country.

“The interdependence between the leaders and citizens makes our grief a release. We become one.”

Mr Al Awadi said such gatherings relieved the families of an extra burden. “The Armed Forces provided these tents to make it easy for the family, so people who come to give solace are provided water and food.”

Tareq Al Bloushi said the tent could accommodate more than 150 people, much more than a family home.

“For offering condolences, the tent is a tradition where we offer dates, water, Arabic coffee and fruit. All of that is provided by the Armed Forces and a restaurant serves three meals over the three days.”