Emirati soldiers recount tales of valour, pride and patriotism
abu dhabi — The first-ever ‘Fakhr’ forum held by the Federal Youth Authority saw war heroes narrate tales of valour, what drives their passion, patriotism and nationalism, how the leadership leads from the front in Yemen and the heartbreaking moments of seeing their own go down.
The Fakhr forum was inaugurated by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with other cabinet ministers.
Colonel Mohammed Al Mazrouei, who was part of the UAE’s effort to restore hope in Yemen, opened up on the challenges faced on the ground.“The most difficult moment is when a brother is martyred in front of your eyes. There are many situations that are chilling, especially when seeing our martyred soldiers who did not show effects of any injuries. Do not be surprised if you see an injured soldier still wanting to return to Yemen because it is difficult for us to leave the field when our brothers are fighting there.”
Ali Al Ghaithi, a soldier who received a bravery medal, noted: “I am just one example of thousands of our brave soldiers, every brave Emirati soldier.”
Al Ghaithi noted the leadership led by example in the battleground. “If we talk about courage, there is an example for all of us — Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan (the grandson of UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan), who was in Yemen. He was the last to leave every endangered region and the first to take the initiative in every difficult task.”
Colonel Dr Aisha Al Dhaheri, a member of the UAE Armed Forces medical team that served in Yemen, said she always wanted to serve the country.
“The UAE Armed Forces have been proactive in providing support to people across the world.”
Dr Aisha recollected training common people, especially women, about steps to be taken during medical emergencies. She added the biggest duty of any doctor is treating soldiers in the battlefields and supporting them to achieve victory for the nation. “I am proud of our soldiers. They can achieve their set objectives with planning and proper implementation.”