UAE royal injured in Yemen crash back after treatment
abu dhabi — A member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, who was among three soldiers injured in a helicopter crash in Yemen, has returned to the UAE after treatment abroad. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan was injured in the crash that took place in Yemen’s Shabwah Governate in August 2017.
Four soldiers were martyred after the helicopter in which the men were travelling crash-landed following a technical failure.
UAE leaders took to Twitter on Saturday to express their joy at the return of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan, who is the grandson of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted that Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan is the pride of Emirati youth.
“The UAE, its people, and leaders rejoice at the return of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “The namesake of the UAE’s founder … the best among those who represent the bravery of its noble soldiers.
“Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan is a perfect model and inspiration to his generation. The country is proud of him and of people like him. Our brave soldiers will be braver and stronger, and the spirit of sacrifice will get established in our youth and our soldiers.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, tweeted: “Thank God, today we are all happy that Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan returned to the UAE and he is fine. We ask God to keep our soldiers safe in the battlefield. We ask Him to heal our injured and have mercy on our martyrs.
“When the challenges come, sons of the UAE rise up to face them. And they are honoured to respond to the call of their homeland. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan is one of our Emirati heroes. There is no fear if our country has people like them.”
Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, tweeted that Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan is a symbol of his generation. The minister said the sacrifices of his colleagues is a source of pride for the country.
Landmarks in the UAE lit up in honour of the Emirati hero. The Burj Khalifa beamed a photo of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan and tweeted: “We congratulate the nation and its leaders on the safe return of the brave Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan to our beloved UAE.”
In Abu Dhabi, the Adnoc building illuminated with images of the royal soldier.