Abu Dhabi: She never met him, but Aisha Hareb Suhail Al Dahmani considers her uncle, UAE’s first martyr, Salem Suhail Bin Khamis Al Dahmani, her role model.
On November 30, 1971, Iranian troops invaded the island of Greater Tunb, and ordered Al Dahmani to lower the flag of Ras Al Khaimah. Salem, who was in his early twenties at the time and head of the island’s six-strong police force, refused and raised the flag. The Iranian troops shot him for his act of defiance even as he was holding the flag.
“My father occasionally talks to me about my uncle. He praises his brother’s courage and speaks of his kindheartedness and benevolence,” 32-year-old Aisha said.
“The fact that he is the UAE’s first martyr is a source of pride and the reason I feel privileged to call him my role model.” She referred to him as the country’s first brave heart.
Forty-four years after Al Dahmani’s martyrdom, his family continues to ensure his memory remains alive by distributing brochures in their neighbourhood in Munaiy in Ras Al Khaimah that detail his act of courage.
“These [brochures] have his photographs, alongside quotes from UAE leaders about his valour,” Aisha said.
“We distribute them on November 30, the day of his martyrdom, every year. We are currently working on a new brochure,” she added.
Every November 30, the Al Dahmani family gathers for a traditional Emirati meal and reminisces about his bravery and sacrifice, she said.
Al Dahmani’s gallantry has inspired the younger generation too in the family, Aisha said. “Some of my nephews and a niece, aged between two to nine, aspire to either be a part of the UAE’s Armed Forces or join the police.”
Every National Day her nephews, nine-year-old Khalid Nasser Hareb Suhail, eight-year-old Turky Nasser Hareb Suhail and seven-year-old Mayed Saeed Hareb Suhail dress in UAE Army attire as a mark of respect and admiration for their grand uncle, said Aisha.
