Emirati hero brought home to rest
After the announcement of the serviceman’s death, thousands of people took to Twitter to offer their condolences to the UAE and the Falasi family using the Arabic hashtag #Martyr_Emirates_Saif_AlFalasi, which was the top trending tweet in the country.
Photos spread online of him in his uniform and with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Among those offering their condolences on Twitter was Lt Gen Dhahi Khalfan, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, who said: “May Saif Al Falasi’s soul rest in peace. Condolences to his parents and relatives. To God we belong, and to God we shall return.”
The General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments also expressed its condolences and its feelings of pride in the UAE leadership and Armed Forces. Dr Mohammed Mattar Al Kaabi, head of the authority, said: “In these difficult times for Yemen, which are a source of concern to our nations and societies, the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments confirms its steadfast commitment to religious precepts and the values associated with martyrdom and the elevated standing of martyrs before Allah and in the memory of the nation and future generations.” Hessa Abdullah, mother of the Emirati police officer First Lt Tariq Al Shehi, who was killed in an attack in Bahrain in May of last year, wrote a moving letter to Al Falasi’s mother, according to the Arabic news website 24.ae.
“I don’t know if I should con- gratulate you or comfort you. If our hearts and souls cried, it is for honour and pride in our martyrs,” she wrote.
For a photo gallery of the funeral, visit thenational.ae/uae