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Watch: UAE bids farewell to 2 pilots killed in crash; funeral prayers held
The military ceremony at Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi was attended by the families of the fallen heroes, alongside senior leaders and officers
- PUBLISHED: Tue 10 Mar 2026, 4:37 PM
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence held a military funeral ceremony on Tuesday to honour the two pilots who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on March 9.
Captain Saeed Al Balooshi and First Lieutenant Ali Saleh Ismail Al Tunaiji were accorded full state honours as the nation mourned their passing. The crash, attributed to a technical malfunction, occurred while the pilots were carrying out their national duties.
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The ceremony at Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi was attended by the families of the fallen heroes, alongside senior leaders and officers from the Ministry of Defence. In a statement, the Ministry extended its deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs.
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Watch below military funeral of the fall heroes:
Ras Al Khaimah also held a funeral service for First Lieutenant Al Tunaiji, bidding farewell to the son of the soil. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, led the funeral prayer at Abdullah Ali Ibrahim Al Aamash Mosque in Al Rams.
Sheikh Saud affirmed that the dedication and sacrifice of martyrs in defending the UAE will forever remain a glorious chapter in the story of loyalty and service to the nation and that their memory will always live on in the hearts of the people.
The funeral prayer for Captain Saeed Rashid Hamad Al Balushi was also arranged in Al Ain after the Dhuhr prayer.
Several countries, including Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, have extended condolences to the UAE over the loss of the two officers.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.