Sorrow at Dibba Al Hosn

Dibba Al Hosn: Dibba Al Hosn was quiet yesterday hours after Naji Al Nuaimi returned home.

Residents, who were overjoyed by the return of Naji, went into mourning after his uncle collapsed and died soon after Naji's arrival.

Naji Al Nuaimi was kidnapped by gunmen in Baghdad on May 16 and was released on Tuesday night. He returned home on Wednesday to a hero's welcome.

Hordes of people from all over the country yesterday headed to Al Nuaimi's home town to welcome him as well as to offer condolences on the sudden death of his uncle.

Ahmad Al Nuaimi greeted his brother's elder son and collapsed as Naji walked to the nearby convoy of cars that was to take him home.

Family members, relatives, friends and people of Dibba Al Hosn said that they were happy to see Al Nuaimi safe, but were in shock at the tragic death of his uncle.

Saeed, a relative of Naji, told Gulf News that Ahmad was buried on Wednesday night.

"We are sad but this is Allah's will who brought Naji home safe. We accept Allah's will in the death of Ahmad," he said.

"We are one family and we support each other in happiness and in sorrow," Saeed said.

Another relative of Naji said time will heal the wounds and life will go on. But the two incidents will remain etched in their memories Al Nuaimi's safe return and the tragedy that struck suddenly.