Fujairah: It was a bright morning that day in Wadi Al Sidr, a remote village in the foothills of the Hajar mountains, about 70km from Fujairah, when the entire Al Suraidi family gathered to bid Mohammad Saeed Al Suraidi goodbye, assuring him that his three children would be in good care until his return.
Little Ganem Mohamad Al Suraidi, Mohammad’s four-year-old son, was being prepared to go to kindergarten while his father was packing to leave for Yemen.
A week later, Mohammad, 31, who had been in the UAE Armed Forces for 10 years, was martyred fighting for his country in the Saudi-led operation, Operation Restoring Hope, in Yemen.
Recalling the moments before Mohammad left for Yemen that day, his closest brother, Salem Saeed Al Suraidi, said, “He was worried about little Ganem and wanted to make sure we got him everything he needed for his first day at kindergarten. I remember [my brother] saying, ‘Take Ganem out and buy him new clothes and toys. Also make sure Hamdan and Jaber [his other children] get what they need.’” Hamdan is three years old and Jaber is a year old.
Salem, 25, who was to take up the role of the father while Mohammad was away, had never imagined that barely a week after that sunny morning’s conversation, he would be permanently stepping into the shoes of his brother to raise his three nephews and provide them with all the love and care they need.
“They are like my kids now,” says Salem. “[And] they have always been like my own children always. I took care of them when Mohammad was busy with work, but now I’m giving up my days and nights to be by their side. I want them to grow up knowing what an honour it is to have a martyred father,” Salem said.
Although three months have passed since Mohammad’s martyrdom, his presence is constantly felt at family gatherings, said Salem.
“Mohammad and I were almost inseparable and we used to spend our outings together. Until this day, when I walk in anywhere, people who knew him always feel like it is Mohammad who has walked in because we brothers share the same nature and features,” Salem said.
According to Salem’s older brother, Abdullah Saeed Al Suraidi, 36, Mohammad spent his free time practising his favourite hobby, shooting, but he also dedicated a lot of his time to social work and taking his kids out to the park.
“He loved participating in shooting contests, and he earned many top spots, but he mostly enjoyed being with his family and taking care of all the people he knew,” said Abdullah.
Mohammad, however, did not lay down his life alone. With him in this act of ultimate sacrifice and honour was his cousin, Saeed Salem Al Suraidi. “He laid down his life with his cousin and best friend, Saeed Salem Al Suraidi, who also left behind a wife and a son,” said Abdullah.
“The two were close and grew up together, always wanting to be part of the UAE Armed Forces. As children, they used to play games like they were in the army and they always wished to give their lives together for the country,” said Abdullah.
Reminiscing about days gone by, Abdullah said that whenever the two cousins visited the village, everyone was happy to see them as they created a festive atmosphere all around.
Leaders of the UAE had visited the Al Suraidi family to offer their condolences, including His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Abdullah and his father, Saeed Al Suraidi, thanked the leaders and people of the entire nation for their support and care and said they are ready to sacrifice anything for the honour of the UAE.
“We all believe in God’s fate and plan. It’s hard parting with someone who is so dear and close, but it’s a great honour and a source of pride for all of us,” Abdullah said.
