Your messages of joy

The prayers of the UAE and thousands of well-wishers worldwide have been answered - kidnapped UAE diplomat Naji Al Nuaimi has been set free.

The 27-year-old spent two weeks in captivity after being abducted by gunmen while leaving the home of the UAE's cultural affairs attache in Baghdad's Mansour district on May 16.

The gunmen shot Al Nuaimi's armed Sudanese driver Bedawi Ahmad Ebrahim, who later died.

You can send your messages of congratulations by texting 97150 2468218 or by emailing naji@gulfnews.com

Please include your name and town of residence on any message you send. A selection of your messages appear below:

I am so happy for you and your family. It?s great to have you back and in good health. I am an Italian lady who has been living in Abu Dhabi for 13 years. I love the people of the UAE, they are like my family. I prayed for you like my brother.
Daria Borgarello
By email

Finally, we hear the great news that Mr Naji has been released - it is a like a beam of light shining in the dark, rich in meaning and hope. God bless you all.
PC Mathew
Deira

On behalf of the Filipino community in Dubai I would like to extend my congratulations to the UAE for their efforts and bringing Naji back. Welcome home!
Cornelio Bautista
Dubai

Salam. I am very happy that Naji Al Nuaimi has finally been released and will soon be with his family. May Allah bless him and his family.
Hamza Tanveer
By email

Thanks to Gulf News for the coverage of Naji?s release. The sun will never set on our prayers or our love. At last it is proof that prayers never go unanswered.
Nadev
Deira

I prayed to Allah everyday for Naji?s release and his life. His service is very important to the world.
Mohammed Idrish
Bangladesh

Even if we don?t know Naji in person we all felt like one of our own was missing. Mabrook to all of those who love the UAE and care about this wonderful country and its generous people.
Rabih Dagher
By email

Allah is great! I salute our national hero! Congratulations!
Arshiya Ahmed
By email

Thank God this beautiful young man is safe and free at last.
Diana
By email

Welcome home Naji. I was very happy when I read the news that Naji had been released in Iraq. I praise the efforts and work of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice-President Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and send my wishes to the Naji's family and the UAE people.
Saad Khan
California, USA

I am a resident of the UAE and come from India. Our family prayed daily asking for Naji's release. God is great. I hope all residents in the UAE irrespective of nationality and religion prayed for him. God has heard our prayers because he has witnessed the unity of the UAE people given their diverse backgrounds.  We hope Naji has a long life.
Jishasumesh
By email

Congratulations Naji, congratulations Naji, congratulations Naji! It is wonderful news. I am very happy to hear of Naji?s release. Congratulations to the Al Nuaimi family and the people of the UAE. All thanks to Allah for the safe release of the UAE diplomat. I congratulate the UAE government for their efforts.
Azeb
Ethiopian

I am so happy for Naji and his family! We were praying for an early release and it has been delivered, he is safe and at home. Thank you God and everyone who helped free Naji. I send my best wishes and congratulations to him and his family.
Viktoriya
Russia

Congratulations to all the well wishers, Naji?s family and the rulers of the UAE. The credit goes to the leaders who responded to the grief of their countrymen and pulled off this incredible feat. I now realise that the rulers and citizens are one closely knit family and that makes me very happy. May God bless all the well wishers who stood by Naji during his ordeal.
Abdul Malik Mohd Hayath
Sharjah

Capture and abduction of any human is an act of cowards and of evil people who have no religion and no values at all. They will pay for it. However, today is a day for everyone in the UAE to rejoice as Naji has been freed. God bless him and his family who went through this horrible ordeal.
Nicola S
By email

We were extremely worried about the well being of our beloved colleague Mr Naji Al Nuaimi. Thanks God! The Almighty has listened to our prayers, he is now free. We are elated. I hope he recovers from this trauma quickly and that his life returns to normal as soon as possible.
Prakash M Paudel
Abu Dhabi

Congratulations Naji, congratulations Naji, congratulations Naji. I don't have much to say, except thanks to Allah and I?m really happy. God is great! Congratulations to the Al Nuaimi family and the people of the UAE. We hope he has a wonderful future ahead of him and the same for everyone who prayed for him.
Azeb Mamo
By email

We thank God for your safe release and are proud to welcome you home as a brave son of the UAE. We join your family in celebrating your return. These wishes come to you from an Indian expatriate family living in Dubai for the last 30 years and have experienced great hospitality from the UAE people.
AM David and family
By email

Naji?s friends and family, the governments of UAE and Iraq who have been so supportive and the millions of people around the world who prayed for Naji?s release should take great comfort in knowing that their prayers and ours have been answered. Thanks again! Gulf News is to be highly praised for its help and assistance. Your organisation kept the spotlight on this case and assisted us favourably in resolving this matter. We are so happy and want to thank the All Mighty and everybody who made this possible.
Azeema / Faiz Ahmed
From Australia

I?m so happy; thanks to God and the group who decided to release you. God be with you, he never refuses a prayer that comes from the heart. Keep doing positive things for your country and your family. We wish you a wonderful future.
Mohammed Musthafa and family
By email

Congratulations to Mr Al Nuaimi and his family members. Allah answered our prayers. We extend our sincere congratulations and thanks to the leaders of United Arab Emirates.
Let's hope he has a wonderful future ahead of him, including those who prayed for him.
Mohamed Eassa
By email

Congratulations and welcome back to the world of sanity. Also, congratulations to your family members who must have gone through a long and difficult peroid. At one time or another, some of us, at least I think, are required to make sacrifices and you have already made yours! While appropriate political action is necessary, personally I pray that the Almighty gives you the strength to forget about the incident and forgive the sinners so that you can carry on with your life peacefully and without fear.
Balakrishna Shetty
By email

The release of Mr Naji is excellent news for all who prayed for him during his ordeal. As far as the UAE government is concerned with helping its people, it was clear from the onset that they would do everything in their power to secure his release as soon as possible. I  congratulate them, Naji's family and the local authorities, who were all anxiously waiting for his release. Thanks to Allah who answered all of our prayers.
Taher Ali Khan
By email

Congratulations to the Al Nuaimi family and the people of the UAE. We hope he has a wonderful future ahead of him and the same for everyone who prayed for him.
Dr Ali
Staffordshire

Shukra-Allah. All thanks to Allah for the safe release of our UAE diplomat. I congratulate the UAE government for their efforts.
Syed Adnan
By email

It is wonderful news and I am very happy to hear of Naji?s release. Gulf News did a great job publishing his picture and requesting that its readers pray for his freedom and send in messages of support, etc! The UAE government?s efforts to ensure his release are much appreciated. We hope that this never happens again. We should remember why he was kidnapped as they must have had a reason for what they did. However, I am glad that they released him, thank you God.
Biju John
By email

The prayers of all of us saved the life of our beloved Naji Al Nuaimi. He is certainly a brave and dedicated diplomat. We wish him every success in the future.
Sankar and Ambili
By email

Well done and congratulations to the UAE government for securing his release and helping those who are difficult situations. It is a great relief to hear that Naji has been released. Allhumdollilah.
Aiysha Sheikh
By email

I?m so happy to hear that Naji Al Nuaimi has been freed. It?s great news!
Sandy
By email

The release of Mr Naji is a very good news for all who prayed for Mr Naji during his capture. As far as the helping policies of the UAE government is concerned it was clear that he will be released soon. I also congratulate the members of Mr Naji's family and the local authorities who really very much anxious for his release. Thanks to Allah who listened the prayers.
Taher Ali Khan
by email

We congratulate Al Nuaimi family and the people of the UAE on Naji Al Nuaimi's release. Let's hope for a wonderful future for him and for everyone who prayed for him.
Dr Ali
Staffordshire

Naji Al Nuaimi was freed by his captors on May 30. The messages contained below were sent before his release.

All Indians please pray for Mr Naji.
Mohamed Yousuff Pezhuntharayil
By Email

We can't image how much you have suffered, but the entire UAE (nationals and expats) is praying for you. May Allah free you soon. We pray to Allah to return you to the UAE soon.
Mohd Sadique
By email

Naji Al Nuaimi's issue concerns all the residents living in the UAE irrespective of nationality. We are praying for his release. In God we put our trust; return Naji to his family and all the other innocent people that have been abducted in Iraq.
Madi
By email

We hope and pray that you are released from captivity soon. We can't imagine how you must be feeling during this time, but we will keep you in our prayers and pledge our support to you. We condemn the abductors for using you as a decoy to achieve their goals. Also, we pray for your family members and ask that they have the courage to overcome this terrible period of grief and sadness. When you return to the UAE we will shed tears of joy. Please do not be afraid and by the grace of God you will overcome all the obstacles placed before you.  We are hoping our prayers will be heard and everything will end well.
Chriatina and Marshal
Dubai

We pray to God that he returns to his family safely. May God give us all and especially the family, the courage and strength to withstand this ordeal.
Venkatesh Ratan, Uma Nithya, Nivedhana and Raghav
Dubai

God is great! We all believe in God and I pray to God that he leads Naji through this difficult time. My prayers are with his family and are for his safe return. All will be well.
Reny Joseph 
By email

Abduction is the height of lawlessness and inhumanness. May God give Naji the strength to cope until he is freed.
Dekhane
By email

Our prayers are with him and his family. May God protect him through his ordeal.
Melissa
By email

Please release this smart and nice diplomat! My husband and I were in Dubai from 15 to 23 May and read Gulf News everyday, so we were very upset about the kidnapping of your diplomat who is trying to help people in a very dangerous country. My husband retired from being a high officer two years ago and I am thankful he did not have to go to Iraq like many of his colleagues in the German Army. We live in Germany and lately we have had several kidnappings in Iraq. The German government had to pay a lot of money to save their lives. We think that kidnapping is an awful way to show your unhappiness regarding certain situations. Naji?s whole family has to suffer and will continue to suffer until he is safe and back in Dubai. We hope you succeed and help him to get back to his family. We will follow Gulf News and pray everyday to help bring Mr Naji back to his family.
Michael and Cécile Ritz
Germany

Prayers are with Naji Al Nuaimi.
Melanie Fernandes
By email

We are praying to the Almighty for Naji's release.
Selin Olma
By email

I strongly condemn the cruel abduction of our beloved diplomat, Naji Al Nuaimi in Iraq and join his grieving family in their prayers for his quick and safe release.
Shafeek Ali
By email

Mr Naji is an honourable young man representing a peace-loving and generous country, who has helped thousands of needy people throughout the world. He was in Iraq with one task, to do good for the people of the UAE and Iraq. Wars dehumanise people, but if there is an iota of human decency left in his captors they will open their eyes and realise what a terrible mistake they have made.  We hope and pray that they release this decent and very much loved man.
Katja Tonja
By email

Today is Mr Naji's 14th day in captivity; this is a matter of concern. Our deepest sympathies are with Mr Naji and his family. May Allah shower his blessing and open the doors for his release. Abduction of a diplomat, who is acting as a link between the governments and people of two different countries will never give any support to any cause that the abductors may have. They should be afraid of Allah and immediately release Mr Naji.
Mashkoor, Seema, Hiba, Yusra and Saad
By email

God has a plan in every person?s life. A good deed, like Naji going to Iraq to help the people, is protected by God. God will protect him whilst he is in captivity and he shall return to his motherland and family. This is what we the citizens and residents of UAE pray for, God bless Naji.
Nelson Fernandes
By email

My whole family keeps praying for Mr Naji to be freed unharmed. In the name of almighty God Allah please return him home safe. Priyangani
By SMS

We are praying for his freedom and may God almighty keep him safe and sound wherever he is. Don't worry, we are praying for you.
Gifty, Gloria, Appu, Brite, Deena
By SMS

May God cover him under his wings and protect him from the enemies. No harm will befall him and God will deliver him. May God pour his comfort upon you. We are praying for his freedom.
Sheeba and family
By SMS

I'm an expat but we are all human and created by one God. I pray for Naji's safe and immediate release.
Dina 
Dubai

We beg the abductors for whatever God you believe or whatever belief you are associated with, to let free this innocent and well-intentioned man.
Mussa
By SMS

Naji Al Nuaimi is in captivity for 13 days ? Oh, my God, change the mind of the abductors so they will release him. I would like to see him free.
Renadev
Dubai

We are all with you Naji. Our prayers shall be answered and you will return safe soon.
Kurshid
By SMS

We can only imagine how you must all be feeling. We continue to pray for your family. God bless and may you find peace and comfort today.
The Larkworthy family
By SMS

No one can ignore the prayers of an entire people of a country for our brother.
Chandrika
By SMS

Hoping and praying for the safe return of Naji.
An Irishman
Dubai

We are praying to the Almighty for Naji's release.
Akhil George Mathews
Abu Dhabi

We pray to Allah for the release of our brother, Naji Al Nuaimi and that he returns home soon. Also, we ask Allah to give his family courage. Inshallah, he will be released soon.
Mohamed Razeen and family
Sharjah

We pray for the early release of Mr Naji. We hope that he returns home safely. He was doing a great job by helping the people of Iraq and God is with those who help others. Inshallah, he will be home soon. This is a testing time for us and Mr Naji's family; we must keep faith in the Almighty Allah as he is great and will help us. Amen.
Zuber and Shahin Dabhi
By email

My prayers and heartfelt feeling go to Mr Naji and I hope that his abductors are soon enlightened and set him free.
Basheer Ahmed
Dubai

Although we are expatriates we have lived here longer than we have lived in our own country. We express our solidarity and stand by the UAE's commitment to free our diplomat, HE Naji Al Nuaimi. We pray for his early release. We stand by the UAE.
Jessie D Souza
Sharjah

I pray for Naji's freedom, which is going to happen. Inshallah. He will be back to his young life soon.
Akbar Haji
By email

We are praying to God the Almighty for the safe and early release of Mr Naji Al Nuaimi and that he is reunited with his family members in UAE.
Mathew and family
Dubai

May Allah bless Naji and keep him safe and return him to his family soon. I pray to Almighty Allah for Naji's early release.  God is great, pray to God.  My sympathies are with his family and relatives.
Musthapha Mohamed M
By email

If you are Muslims then by doing this you are defaming Islam and distancing yourself from Allahsubahanawata. Mr Naji is our brother, who stands for our brothers and a noble cause. Inshallah, Allah will protect him. (Amen.) We will wait and welcome our hero when he comes home, hopefully it will be soon and he will return safely.

Let's pray for his freedom.  Emirates nationals are the most loving and peace loving people in the Gulf. Inshalla Allah will protect him. My family, friends, colleagues and I are praying for his early release.
Shakeel Ahmed
Dubai

Naji should be released immediately. An innocent diplomat does not deserve such treatment. Our prayers are with his family.
Sunny and family
By Email

I pray for Naji Al Nuaimi to be freed soon.
Sahar
Iran

We stand in solidarity with the Al Nuaimi family during these difficult times. We?d like to give our support to Naji's family and all the social organisations working in defense of human rights. We pray to the all mighty for Naji's freedom and that he is returned to his loved ones safely. We thank the governments of the UAE and Iraq for their efforts in securing the release of our brother who is working on a good cause.
Azeema and Faiz Ahmed
Australia

May Allah, the almighty bring you back to your home country very soon so that your family can be relieved. Who would back the cruelty of this? All the people throughout the world must condemn such malpractices. The premiers of the nations should come together and take action.
Shareef 
Dubai

I feel sad when I read about the kidnapping of Naji Al Nuaimi and I pray to Allah for his release.
Azeb
By email

This is an act which needs worldwide condemnation. He should be released immediately by his captors. May he be safe.
Dr Ali
Staffordshire, UK

May Allah bless Naji and keep him safe from harm and return him to his family very soon. I lived in UAE for 13 years until 2004, but my heart is still with the UAE people and I was very sad to hear of Naji's abduction.
Tahani Costanzo
Brighton, UK

Brother Naji, from somebody who knows how many people in need you have helped, Allah will be with you. I pray to Allah each and every day for you to be returned to your family safely. May Allah bless you, your family and the UAE.
Omar Al-Ghrary
Toronto, Canada

May the almighty God bless Naji Al Nuaimi with many blessings and release him from the hands of darkness. Bring him home safely and as soon as possible, without any further torment to him or his family and foe. I share my sympathies with his family.
Vimal Mathew
India

More then any other thing I pray for Naji Al Nuaimi's immediate freedom. I send my sympathies to his family and relatives. God is great; believe in him and pray to God.
Shaheer
Al Ain

My prayers are to Allah for Naji Al Nuaimi's early release and for a safe return to his loved ones. May Allah give him the strength and courage needed to endure this situation.
Simmy Aziz
By Email

My sincere prayers are with this lad. May Allah keep him safe and may he return to his loved ones soon.
Mohammad
By Email

Shocking news! My sincere prayers are for a safe and early release of Mr Naji Al Nuaimi. My sympathies are with his family and his fiancée.
Hedy M Lentze
Kerkrade, The Netherlands

I pray for the earliest release of Mr Naji Al Nuaimi. May God keep him safe and healthy and may he be returned to his family and friends soon.
Koshal J Chawla
Dubai

You will be back home soon young life.
Milena
Italy

We are praying to Allah for the immediate release of Naji Al Nuaimi. Inshallah, I hope he will be back home soon.
Zahid
Abu Dhabi

I hope the people who are responsible for the kidnapping of UAE diplomat, Naji Al Nauimi will realise that the youngster is innocent and not responsible for the problems of Iraq. I hope sense prevails and Mr Naji returns home soon.
G Rao
Dubai

We pray for the immediate release of Mr Naji Al Nauimi. May God give him strength and protection during this ordeal.
Liza and family
Fujairah

May Allah deliver him an early release.
Mohammad Shareef
Dubai

We in Pakistan are deeply concerned about your welfare and safety, and would like to share our sympathies with you and your family. We pray to the almighty Allah for his blessings and kindness. We are hoping for a safe and early return. Amen.
Asad Rizvi
Karachi, Pakistan

As a former expatriate who lived and worked in the UAE not too many years ago, I have fond memories of the land and its people. The UAE is a model for other Arab countries with their acceptance of all people. I was received warmly there and while a resident of Abu Dhabi made many friends. It is an insult to all Arabs and Muslims who are friendly, peace-loving-people, that this courageous young man is being treated in such a fashion.

Whoever is responsible for the kidnapping of this young man should reflect upon the innocence of this person. He is there as a representative of the UAE government and as such should be treated accordingly. It is my wish and I prayer that he is released and returned to his family without harm or delay.
Dale Holte
By Email

He will reach home fine by the grace of Allah.
Habib
by SMS

I sincerely hope that Naji will return home safe and soon inshallah.
Reema Al Yamahi
Abu Dhabi

I pray to Allah for the immediate release of Naji Al Nuaimi. May Allah keep him safe and send my sympathy to his family Anwar.
Beda
by SMS

It is a completely cowardly act from the kidnappers. What justification is there for kidnapping a diplomat who is representing his country as an official and doing his duty. I pray to the Almighty for his early and healthy release.
Banku
by SMS

We pray to God for the early release of Mr Naji al Nuami.
Nitin
Ajman

We are all praying for the release of Naji Al Nuaimi and we hope inshallah that he will be released soon
Bilal
Abu Dhabi

Deep condolences and let God bring justice! Human beings are not weapons.
Suresh
Ajman

I Pray to Allah to help with the release efforts of our brother Naji Al Nuaimi. I have complete faith that Allah always protects the innocent, such as Naji Al Nuaimi. My deepest sympathies are with his family and I pray he returns home safely to his loved ones soon! Inshallah.
Rehan
Dubai

Nothing will happen to Mr. Naji. He is doing a great mission and from a great country. More over Allah is with him and hears our prayers.
V.K. Nazeer
Dubai

May God bless you and bring you back home to your family and friends. My prayers are with you and your family ? be strong. It's so sad to read these heartbreaking stories of innocent people being treated in this inhuman way. My heart goes out to Naji's drivers and his family.
Miss Harju
Finland
 
My sincere prayers are for his immediate release and that he returns to his beloved family. May God give him the strength to overcome this ordeal.
Sanjay
by Email

Naji is missed by many of us and I pray for his early release.
Karthik
USA

I feel so sad for him and his family who must be going through a terrible time.
Rajesh
by Email

We are praying to God for Naji's release.
Peter and family
by Email

We hope Naji Al Nuaimi comes out of this terrible ordeal unhurt and returns to his family soon. We are praying for his safe return.
Prakash
by Email

I pray to God for the immediate release of Naji Al Nuaimi and I send my sympathy to his family.
Nandakumar
Kerala

My sincere prayers are with this lad. It really pains me to hear and listen to the ordeal his family is dealing with. May Allah keep him safe and may he return to his loved ones soon. Amen.
Syed
Abu Dhabi

I hope your beloved Naji Al Nuaimi is released soon.
Susann
by SMS

We are all praying for the early release of Mr Naji Al Nuaimi.
Mohandas
by SMS

I was upset when I read about the kidnapping of Naji Al Nuaimi and I am praying for his release too.
Anja
Germany

For Naji Al Nuaimi; may he be returned safely.
Jim
Dubai

Abducting Naji is a cowardly act. As an Iraqi, I feel grateful to the UAE for its hospitality. I pray he returns safely to his loved ones.
Dr Mosab
Dubai

Who could be so cruel and ignorant that they take for granted the gracious and helpful nature of the UAE by kidnapping Naji? May Allah help Mr Naji.
Amin
by SMS

We pray for Naji Al Nuaimi to be freed soon.
The Schokman family
by SMS

I pray to Allah for the fast release of Naji. I send my sympathy to his family.
Khadija
by SMS

We are constantly praying for his early release.
Ibrahim and family
by SMS

We are with you. God will certainly not let any harm come to our Naji and we pray for his early return.
Manek, Nandita and Anish
by SMS

We are praying to Allah for Naji?s freedom and Inshallah so that he will be free to join his family soon.
Mr and Mrs Hassan
Pakistan and Sharjah