Abu Dhabi: Known for his good deeds and noble acts, 39-year-old martyr Ahmad Khamis Al Hammadi from the Western Region, Abu Dhabi, was the one member [of his family] who always went the extra mile to ensure that his entire family reunited under one roof every once in a while, said his brother-in-law Saleh Esmail Al Hammadi.
The martyr was among the UAE soldiers who died on October 6 when a hotel and other buildings in the southern Yemeni city of Aden were targeted in multiple terrorist attacks.
Reminiscing about the good old days, the 42-year-old Saleh, who works for Abu Dhabi Police and is married to the martyr’s sister, said that Ahmad and he were inseparable.
“I am married to his sister and he was married to my sister. We were together almost all the time and he was always a source of joy and laughter,” said Saleh. “He never missed a single prayer and regularly recited the Quran. He was an obedient son to the extent that his mother used to always say that he raised her more than she raised him.”
Speaking of the significance of Commemoration Day, which falls on November 30, Saleh said: “This day marks an important milestone in the history of the UAE. It will always remind us of the brave soldiers who gave up their lives to raise the victory of Islam.”
He said it is impossible to forget “someone who was so dear to your heart. However, our leaders’ unwavering support has helped us cope with the loss. We are lucky to have leaders who genuinely care about their people and support them at all times”.
Ali Mohammad Al Hammadi, the 47-year-old cousin of the martyr, said that Ahmad’s spirit always remains with his family in their hearts and prayers.
“These soldiers’ honourable sacrifices have enabled us to raise our heads high. It also prompted the entire world to look up to our country and recognise it as a role model.”
Ali, who works for the UAE Armed Forces, said that the army’s recent wealth of achievements have also ignited his children’s patriotism for defending their country.
“These soldiers have inspired Emiratis from the younger generations to take an interest in joining the army. I have seven children, between the ages of 5-24, some of whom told me that they would aspire to one day be in their uncle’s position.”
To the soldiers who have resumed their duties in war-torn Yemen on November 2, Ali said: “May they come back to us as victors or martyrs.”
Echoing similar remarks, Mal Allah Khamis Al Hammadi, the martyr’s brother, explained: “We are five siblings and Ahmad was the eldest. He has been a part of the UAE army since 1991. He told his friends before going to Yemen that he wanted to return to the UAE as a martyr.
“His deployment was supposed to end on Sunday, October 4, but it was extended for three more days. He died on the third day. Today, Ahmad is a role model we all look up to and we couldn’t be more proud of him.”
On October 8, the armed forces personnel carrying the martyr’s body arrived at 3.30pm in Al Marfa. He was later laid to rest at Al Marfa cemetery following the funeral and Asr prayers at Al Muhajirin Mosque, which witnessed thousands of people who prayed for him and offered their condolences to his family.
