Pride and sadness as Emiratis pay final respects to fallen soldiers in Abu Dhabi

Hundreds of people turned out in Bani Yas and in the Western Region for two of the Emirati soldiers killed in Yemen this week.

Funeral prayers were held for Mohammed Al Seyabi, 35, and Ahmed Khamis Al Hammadi, 37, in Abu Dhabi 4pm, following afternoon prayers. Courtesy Al Ittihad

ABU DHABI // Mourners gathered in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region and in Bani Yas on Thursday to pay their respects to two soldiers who died in Yemen this week.

Mohammed Khalfan Al Seyabi, 35, and Ahmed Khamis Al Hammadi, 37, were killed alongside two other Emiratis in terrorist attacks against the Yemeni government and its Gulf allies in Aden on Tuesday.

Funeral prayers were held for each of the fallen soldiers across the country at 4pm, following afternoon prayers.

Prayers for Al Seyabi were held at Bani Yas Cemetery’s mosque, near his home in Al Shamkha, while Al Hammadi’s funeral took place at the Muhajereen Mosque, Al Marfaa, in the Western Region.

Faisal Al Suwaidi, 38, was one of the first people to arrive at Bani Yas Cemetery. He was Al Seyabi’s best friend of more than 30 years. He came early to honour and catch a final glimpse of his childhood friend.

“I couldn’t believe it, I hoped that it was some sort of mistake, that they were under attack but he survived,” he said.

“We spoke earlier this week. He was trying to help his sister find a job.”

Al Seyabi’s mother was the first person he called when the news was confirmed.

“I called his mother right away to pay my condolences and maybe find solace but she was as devastated as I,” Mr Al Suwaidi said.

“She told me, ‘Faisal, your best friend is gone’. I told her that he might be gone but he’ll never be forgotten and his name will live on forever.”

The crowds began to gather shortly after 8pm on Wednesday after news of the return of Al Seyabi’s body to Al Bateen Airport circulated, but the funeral was set for Thursday.

Khalaf Obaid, 22, did not know Al Seyabi but their fathers were friends.

“I didn’t know him personally but I came as a thank-you for his service,” Mr Obaid said.

“He’s Al Shamkha’s hero now.

“We’ll never forget him. The whole area is here to honour him today and stand by his family.”

He later joined dozens of Al Seyabi’s friends, family and servicemen to carry the flag-draped body to its final resting place.

Al Seyabi is survived by two sons and four daughters. His last wish before heading to Yemen was that his family would take good care of his children.

In the Western Region, the community marked the first Emirati serviceman from the area to die in the line of duty.

The tent set up at the Al Hammadi home in Al Marfaa was full of people paying condolences on Wednesday and Thursday.

The community’s great sadness was mixed with pride for the service of one of its sons.

Saeed Harib, Al Hammadi’s brother-in-law, said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love he had witnessed in the past two days. “The Western Region is unified with pride and resilience,” he said. “He crowned our family with this great honour.”

Al Hammadi left behind six children and was laid to rest at Al Marfaa cemetery.