Sisters of killed UAE servicemen proud to have their brothers’ names remembered

Balqees Al Saadi, sister of Jassim who died in the September rocket attack in Yemen, shares memories of her martyred brother with their mother. Reem Mohammed / The National

ABU DHABI // Two sisters of servicemen who died in Yemen spoke about their sadness and loss but also their pride in their brothers’ sacrifices.

On September 4, 45 men were killed in Yemen in a rocket attack on an ammunition depot. Several others died later of their wounds.

Shamma Al Megbali, 17, lost her half-brother, Omar Al Megbali, in the attack.

“Yes it’s true I have lost my brother, but during the funeral days I was feeling proud of the words that I was receiving on social media,” she said.

“Everyone was assuring me they are with me and they have lived up to that as they still check on me and ask about my parents,” she said.

She said after his death, her half-brother’s wife and children moved out of her home, which left a void in her life.

“I was very attached to him and my brother Omar had good relations with everyone. My parents always said he loved us the most and was the most righteous towards them. He died but his goodness is retold by everyone,” she said.

Ms Al Megbali’s other brother, Obaid, is also serving in the Saudi-led coalition “and we are proud because he is continuing the journey that my brother Omar had started”.

Balqees Al Saadi, 21, from Fujairah, also lost her brother Jassim in the September attack.

She said he was “the joy of the household” and he was greatly missed at home.

“Jassim had a lovely personality, he was always smiling, always joyful, he was compassionate and humble,” she said.

“He was righteous towards my parents and always did what they asked him to, he loved to help everyone in need.

“He was a great friend, and a wonderful caring brother. Our relationship with him was filled with love and friendship, and his presence brought us joy around the house, so his passing has left a great void in us,” she said.

However, Ms Al Saadi said her brother’s name had become “immortalised in the hearts of all Emiratis” and he has become “a part of history that will be retold as being part of the honour list”.

She said her brother would always be remembered, both by his family and the people of the UAE.

Even though life for the family had changed, Ms Al Saadi said the family was constantly reminded of Jassim’s honourable sacrifice and he was always in their prayers.

“Our overall life became very quiet, the house is calm. Every corner holds a memory. We remember his martyrdom, and that he is alive with Allah,” she said.

“We are proud, he raised our head high up in the defence of our land and we remember that his death is in the name of Allah,” she said.

In the lead up to Commemoration Day The National speaks to the families of the soldiers who have died while serving the UAE. Check out our coverage here:

› UAE fallen soldier was father to whole community

› Children of UAE hero killed in Yemen proud of father's sacrifice

› UAE soldier killed in rocket attack was a man of faith and love