Members of the royal family, top officials, and a crowd of mourners performed funeral prayers this afternoon
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi, performed the funeral prayer for martyr Sergeant Ali Khalifa Hashel Al Mesmari, at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah.
The martyr fell while performing his national duty as part of the Saudi-led Arab coalition's 'Operation Restoring Hope' in Yemen.
Sheikh Mohammed offered his sincere condolences to the martyr's family and prayed to bestow his mercy and eternal peace on the martyr's soul and to grant his family the patience and solace to bear his loss.
People from across the country thronged Fujairah in a bid to offer farewell to the martyred Emirati serviceman Ali Khalifa Hashel Al Mismari.
The General Command of the Armed Forces announced the martyrdom of the 29-year-old sergeant from Gharfa area while performing his national duty as part of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition's Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen.
The funeral prayers were offered at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah, after which the martyr was laid to rest at the Fujairah Cemetery.
Khalifa Hasehl, father of the martyr, said his son has become a source of pride for his bravery and commitment. "My son has always been on the frontlines and used to tell us about their victory in Yemen. I am more than ready to sacrifice my four sons - all servicemen - for my country to remain secure and stable."
Ali's final call was two days back, he added. "He wanted to check on my health after I had an eye operation."
Omar Al Mismari, brother of the martyr, said they will be attentive to his brother's children - three-year-old daughter, Fatima, and two-year-old son, Khalifa. Echoing the same, Mohammed Al Mismari, another brother, said they will look after the two kids.
Ahmed Al Mismari, sibling of the martyr, said his brother used to love his military work. "He was known for his dedication to duty and excellent work, let alone his passion for charitable work."
Ahmed Naseeb, cousin of the martyr, said Al Mismari has got an exceptional honour with his martyrdom. "The martyr was known for his commitment to work, kindness, and cooperation."
Saif Obaid, a friend of the martyr, said his sacrifice will make them more determined to lift up the flag of the UAE. "We will learn from the martyrs who sacrificed their soul and blood for the greatness of their nation."
Hamad Juma, another cousin of the martyr, said this martyrdom is a lesson for every Emirati citizen. "We should learn from the martyr's sacrifice, and give soul and blood to our nation."
Sameer Saeed, cousin of the martyr, said all Emiratis are with the martyr. "Despite the falling heroes, the UAE shall never stop defending right and justice until victory; this is the creed of the UAE people, one hand under one leadership."
Nabil Ali, a friend of the martyr, said he was shocked to know about the death of his close friend. "He was a reasonable and wise man of noble values and principles. He was so generous, tolerant and brave."
Rabea Hareeq, another friend, said he was proud of his friend's sacrifice. "We were friends since our early childhood. Our conversation less than two weeks ago was about the honour of martyrdom which he wished to live up to."
Amira Al Mismari, cousin of the martyr, said he was a brother to her. "He was sociable and always in communication with us."
He was a big fan of sports, mainly football game, she added. "He used to go to the gym on a regular basis, was a great help to the neighbourhood, and was always seen smiling."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
Members of the royal family, top officials, and a crowd of mourners performed funeral prayers this afternoon
Authorities express solidarity with the African country and offer condolences to those who lost loved ones in the catastrophe
Flexible work arrangement offers benefits like easing traffic congestions and cost savings, say experts
Wellness experts emphasised that it is important to recognise that each student navigates grief uniquely
All he needed was a small corner, dough, and a crepe pan to make his signature Regag bread
He also said that increasing traffic in the country along with the rising number of hotel occupancies are positive indicators of Dubai's performance
Authorities had earlier launched a comprehensive survey to gather insights into how these steps could help ease traffic, especially during peak hours
Applications for the 11th edition will be open from May 7 to August 1