Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, called on people to hoist the UAE flag in every corner of the country in solidarity with UAE troops.
On Friday, September 4, 52 UAE soldiers were martyred while taking part in a Saudi-led operation aimed at driving out Al Houthi rebels in Yemen.
“I call on everyone to show their solidarity with the UAE Armed Forces and cohesion with the leadership by raising the UAE flag in our homes, in our farms, our institutions and across our country,” Shaikh Mohammad tweeted to his 4.7 million followers on Tuesday.
Shaikh Mohammad took to Twitter to talk about the important role the UAE troops have in creating history and the big sacrifice they are making for their country.
“Brothers and sisters … Our country is passing through an important historical time … the people of the UAE have emphasised their loyalty and commitment towards their country … Our troops established a new era of sacrifice and redemption,” said Shaikh Mohammad.
“We ask god to accept our martyrs … grant our troops victory … protect our country and preserve this region’s peace and stability,” he concluded with this tweet and an attachment of a flag picture that says “Flag Day, November 3.”
Shaikh Mohammad’s tweets were met with responses from many people on the social media platform who showed their gratitude towards his admirable initiative.
Twitter user Abdullah Al Zaabi responded by tweeting: “Your wish is our command Your Highness.”
User Mohandes Al Awadhy tweeted: “We raised it [the flag] Your Highness,” while user Yousuf Al Shizawy said, “god bless you and our armed forces.”
Gulf News spoke to UAE residents who also commended his idea of raising the flag in respect of the martyrs.
“It is rare to see leaders who go to the hospital and kiss the head and hands of injured soldiers like our leaders. It is rare to see leaders who love their people as much as our leaders do. I commend Shaikh Mohammad for this initiative. I am going to be one of the first people to hoist a flag in my house for our soldiers,” said Emirati Ahmad Shaikh.
Emirati student Azza Ahmad also said her family will make sure to pay its respect to the troops by raising the flag.
“My heart goes out to the families of the martyred. By raising the flag we will show our solidarity with the troops and that we appreciate the sacrifice that they have made for our country,” she said.
Jordanian Ansaf Al Khatib also shared her condolences to the families of the martyred.
“We should do whatever it takes to show our solidarity with the troops and their families. They are sacrificing their lives to make sure that not only their people are safe but also the residents living there continue to live in stability,” she said.
