The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said that martyrdom is the highest degree of devotion and dedication to the homeland, and only great nations are built through sacrifice and sincere belonging.

In a statement to the ‘Nation Shield’ magazine, Sheikh Khalifa said:

“On this glorious day, when we exalt the values of giving and sacrifice, we express the utmost appreciation to our righteous martyrs who have given their blood and souls in fulfilment of the sacred duty, in support of the oppressed, in defence of the truth, and in the protection of the UAE, which was founded by our fathers on the values of giving, redemption, belonging, loyalty and courage.

“The biography of the martyrs of the homeland, whose processions have progressed throughout history, will remain immortal in our conscience, and the medals of honour and pride we take. This biography is embodied by the society in its cohesion, and the State is committed to caring for and honouring the children of the martyrs and their families. Martyrdom is the highest degree of devotion and dedication to the homeland, and great nations are built through sacrifice and sincere belonging.

“On this blessed day, we pay tribute to our valiant sons, soldiers, officers and commanders of our armed forces, who are vigilant in protecting and defending the homeland, and saluting our children across all workplaces inside and outside the country.

“We pray to God that our martyrs may rest in His mercy and that they achieve the highest paradise because they believed in what God and the homeland had promised. We ask God Almighty to reward their children and their families for their certainty, their composure, patriotism and their patience, and we call on him to preserve our country, and to perpetuate the blessings of our state’s security and safety.

“Peace, mercy, and the blessings of God be upon you.”

Strong bond between people and leadership shield UAE: Dubai Ruler

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has paid special tributes to the UAE martyrs on Commemoration Day, sharing sincere feelings of gratitude to their families who, he said, set a perfect example of giving and belonging to the homeland by sacrificing their sons for the highest good of all Emiratis.

In a statement to the ‘Nation Shield’ magazine, Sheikh Mohammed said: “On behalf of all Emiratis, I salute all families who offered their sons to protect the national gains of our homeland and to keep our flag flying high at all times under all circumstances. It’s your wisdom, fortitude and magnanimity that enabled our valiant armed forces to continue to be the protective shield of our homeland.

“Our martyrs are the sons and grandsons of our nation’s icon and the founder of our renaissance, the late Sheikh Zayed. They are the trustees of his vision, which states that the UAE army is our protective shield that preserves our national unity and accomplishments, and helps our brotherly Arab countries in case of need.

“As we celebrate today the quintessential Emirati values of giving, loyalty and self-denial, we urge our families, schools, media and literati to continue to inculcate these noble values in our society and instil them in our younger generations, so they align themselves with the heroic deeds of our martyrs in word and deed.

“This solemn occasion reminds us to continue to engrave the message of martyrdom in our mind, memory and heart.

“Commemoration Day will forever remain as an indelible message that the sovereignty, security, stability and pride of the UAE, and the safety and well-being of Emiratis are a priority that is second to none. We will remain willing and ready to bear the costs of protecting our land, ensuring its independence, building our nation and maintaining our national gains, thereby keeping our country as a role model for development, prosperity, social welfare, and economic well-being.

“The heroes of our armed forces, along with all security departments and institutions, and all the sons and daughters of the UAE, bear the costs of facing the dangers besetting our homeland and those surrounding our brotherly countries and Arab nations at large. While valiantly performing their noble tasks, our armed forces deliver a clear-cut message purporting that the UAE is a nation with innate immune defenses against any evil machinations and plots thanks to our cohesive social fabric and the strong bonds of solidarity between our people and leadership.

We will remain faithful to principles for which they sacrificed lives: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

abu dhabi – His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said that the martyrs who sacrificed their souls in protection of the homeland shoulder all Emiratis with a solemn responsibility towards nation-building and keeping the national flag flying high at all fronts and under all circumstances.

In a statement on the Commemoration Day to the ‘Nation Shield’ magazine, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: “The essential message delivered by the Commemoration Day is for every Emirati to keep sacrificing for his/her homeland by continuing to be loyal to our deeply-rooted principles and values, the seeds of which were sown by the founding fathers of the UAE Federation.

“Our martyrs embody the UAE’s solid commitment toward our brotherly countries, their national defence and their right to stability, development and progress. They express in the truest sense of the word the UAE’s principled stance, adopted since the era of the late Sheikh Zayed, in support of righteousness and justice.

“While bearing witness to every achievement being now made in the UAE, we recall the noble sacrifices made by our martyrs who are all true partners in every accomplishment and step forward we are taking on the right path toward making our dreams come true.

“Our martyrs will remain our source of pride at all times. Their heroic deeds go down in the annals of history as a source of inspiration for all sincere deeds made to ensure our country’s glory, stability and progress toward a brighter future.

“On the Commemoration Day, we spell out our wholehearted loyalty to our homeland and express our deepest gratitude to all those who sacrificed their soul in protection of their homeland and who we are sure will remain alive with their Lord and will have their reward.

“On this glorious occasion, we stand in all solemnity in appreciation of our brave armed forces, who symbolise all sincere feelings of dedication and commitment to the nation’s values and principles. They represent the school from which our martyrs learned the love of and sacrifices to the homeland under all circumstances.

“On the Commemoration Day, we recall our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who sowed the seeds of loyalty to the homeland. These seeds fructified into generations of heroes ready to sacrifice their very souls in defence of their homeland and in serving their national duty.

Our heroes represent nation’s shield: Ajman Ruler

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, paid homage to the souls of Emirati martyrs on Commemoration Day.

In his statement to the ‘Nation Shield’, Sheikh Humaid said: “Our country celebrates Commemoration Day on November 30 to remember the glories achieved by the pure souls who did not hesitate to meet their call of duty in defence of their religion, nation and humanity.

“The UAE, upon the directives of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has dedicated this day to glorify the names of its martyrs.

“The UAE, under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, The Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates, appreciates the sacrifices of its martyrs who represented the nation’s shield and are now icons of will and persistence.

“On Commemoration Day, people rally around their leadership to reiterate loyalty, vowing to continue their righteousness journey.

Martyrs are role models of loyalty to homeland: Fujairah Ruler

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, said that the Commemoration Day will remain a symbol of pride and glory, with the sacrifices by the martyrs being the cornerstone on which we will continue to achieve more accomplishments for our homeland.”

Sheikh Hamad said in his statement to the Nation Shield magazine: “With all pride and gratitude, we recall the acts of patriotism of the UAE Armed Forces men who sacrificed their souls for the sake of the homeland to. Our martyrs are role models for belonging and loyalty to the homeland.

“While celebrating the nation’s martyrs, we renew our commitment that we, in the UAE led by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will spare no efforts to support our Arab brothers who’ve suffered from war and sabotage. We, the UAE leadership and people, will continue to stand by them by sustaining the late Sheikh Zayed’s approach and principles aimed at supporting right issues and strengthening Arab bonds.

“We extend greetings to the UAE Armed Forces members inside the country and abroad who are always proactive to protect stability and security of our country. They are our shield who keep our country unified and safe. We pledge to protect our national gains and achievements made by our martyrs. We are committed to continue the journey to present an integrated cultural model to the whole world.”

Commemoration Day upholds sacrifice values: UAQ Ruler

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, said that the Commemoration Day upholds the values of sacrifice, redemption and love to the homeland, noting that the occasion is a tribute to all the country’s heroes.

Sheikh Saud said in his statement to the Nation Shield magazine that the occasion holds a significant meaning to the people of the UAE, as November 30 was the day when the first Emirati martyr Salem Suhail bin Khamis Al Dahmani lost his life while defending his country in 1971.

Sheikh Saud noted that national cohesion represents the true meaning of unification and effective participation in building the nation, preserving its gains and strengthening its social fabric as well as the culture of loyalty instilled by the founding fathers.

“It is a source of pride for us to witness the honouring of martyrs of the homeland in recognition and appreciation of their sacrifices and acts of patriotism, as they represent an immortal example of national unity and belonging.”

The Ruler of Umm Al Quwain added that the Commemoration Day is an opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices made by the martyrs to protect the glory, assets and gains of the country.

Their sacrifices are beacons for a brighter future: RAK Ruler

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said the sacrifices made by the Emirati martyrs will remain indelible in the UAE’s history as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Sheikh Saud, in a statement to the Nation Shield magazine, said: “The UAE takes pride in our heroes who responded to the call of duty and sacrificed their souls in protection of their nation’s glory and in defence of its periphery and national gains.

“The inspiring narratives of our martyrs on the battlefronts will remain beacons for a brighter future for the entire nation and its people. And on this memorable day in the country’s history, we renew the commitment of the UAE, leadership and people, to continue to support the families of our martyrs, whose sacrifices will remain a model to be copied for all those seeking to ensure the security and dignity of the homeland.

Thanks to our martyrs’ heroic deeds, our national flag will continue to fly high on all fronts and our people will remain proud of their nation’s accomplishments and glories.

“On this glorious occasion, we reiterate our support for our soldiers on the front lines and re-assert that the UAE will continue to disseminate a message of peace, love, and tolerance to the entire world and reiterate that sacrifices for the homeland hold a sublime significance for upholding these values.”

A strong bond between people and leadership shield UAE: Sheikh Mohammed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has paid special tributes to the UAE martyrs on Commemoration Day, sharing sincere feelings of gratitude to their families who, he said, set a perfect example of giving and belonging to the homeland by sacrificing their sons for the highest good of all Emiratis.

In a statement to the ‘Nation Shield’ magazine, Sheikh Mohammed said: “On behalf of all Emiratis, I salute all families who offered their sons to protect the national gains of our homeland and to keep our flag flying high at all times under all circumstances. It’s your wisdom, fortitude and magnanimity that enabled our valiant armed forces to continue to be the protective shield of our homeland.

“Our martyrs are the sons and grandsons of our nation’s icon and the founder of our renaissance, the late Sheikh Zayed. They are the trustees of his vision, which states that the UAE army is our protective shield that preserves our national unity and accomplishments, and helps our brotherly Arab countries in case of need.

“As we celebrate today the quintessential Emirati values of giving, loyalty and self-denial, we urge our families, schools, media and literati to continue to inculcate these noble values in our society and instil them in our younger generations, so they align themselves with the heroic deeds of our martyrs in word and deed.

“This solemn occasion reminds us to continue to engrave the message of martyrdom in our mind, memory and heart.

“Commemoration Day will forever remain as an indelible message that the sovereignty, security, stability and pride of the UAE, and the safety and well-being of Emiratis are a priority that is second to none. We will remain willing and ready to bear the costs of protecting our land, ensuring its independence, building our nation and maintaining our national gains, thereby keeping our country as a role model for development, prosperity, social welfare, and economic well-being.

“The heroes of our armed forces, along with all security departments and institutions, and all the sons and daughters of the UAE, bear the costs of facing the dangers besetting our homeland and those surrounding our brotherly countries and Arab nations at large. While valiantly performing their noble tasks, our armed forces deliver a clear-cut message purporting that the UAE is a nation with innate immune defences against any evil machinations and plots thanks to our cohesive social fabric and the strong bonds of solidarity between our people and leadership.

“I pray to Allah Almighty to preserve our homeland and people, to sustain our security, stability and prosperity, and to reward our martyrs with His Paradise. I supplicate to Allah as well to guide us on His virtuous path and to strengthen us in the service of our religion, society and nation.”

We will remain faithful to the principles for which they sacrificed lives: Sheikh Mohamed

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said that the martyrs who sacrificed their souls in protection of the homeland shoulder all Emiratis with a solemn responsibility towards nation-building and keeping the national flag flying high at all fronts and under all circumstances.

In a statement on the Commemoration Day to the ‘Nation Shield’ magazine, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: “The essential message delivered by the Commemoration Day is for every Emirati to keep sacrificing for his/her homeland by continuing to be loyal to our deeply-rooted principles and values, the seeds of which were sown by the founding fathers of the UAE Federation.

“Our martyrs embody the UAE’s solid commitment toward our brotherly countries, their national defence and their right to stability, development and progress. They express in the truest sense of the word the UAE’s principled stance, adopted since the era of the late Sheikh Zayed, in support of righteousness and justice.

“While bearing witness to every achievement being now made in the UAE, we recall the noble sacrifices made by our martyrs who are all true partners in every accomplishment and step forward we are taking on the right path toward making our dreams come true.

“Our martyrs will remain our source of pride at all times. Their heroic deeds go down in the annals of history as a source of inspiration for all sincere deeds made to ensure our country’s glory, stability and progress toward a brighter future.

“On the Commemoration Day, we spell out our wholehearted loyalty to our homeland and express our deepest gratitude to all those who sacrificed their soul in protection of their homeland and who we are sure will remain alive with their Lord and will have their reward.

“On this glorious occasion, we stand in all solemnity in appreciation of our brave armed forces, who symbolise all sincere feelings of dedication and commitment to the nation’s values and principles. They represent the school from which our martyrs learned the love of and sacrifices to the homeland under all circumstances.

“On the Commemoration Day, we recall our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who sowed the seeds of loyalty to the homeland. These seeds fructified into generations of heroes ready to sacrifice their very souls in defence of their homeland and in serving their national duty.

“On this glorious day in the history of our nation, I urge our Emirati youth to learn by heart the narratives of our martyrs who represent a role model for fighting against oppression and defending their national soil. They sacrificed their souls in order for this nation to continue to live in peace and stability. Their sacrifices shoulder all Emiratis with a solemn responsibility toward their nation. Their heroic narratives and deeds are the best source from which we can continue to get inspired and learn that defending our homeland is a sacred duty that is second to none.

Our martyrs represent nation’s shield: Sheikh Humaid

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, paid homage to the souls of Emirati martyrs on Commemoration Day.

In his statement to the ‘Nation Shield’, Sheikh Humaid said: “Our country celebrates Commemoration Day on November 30 to remember the glories achieved by the pure souls who did not hesitate to meet their call of duty in defence of their religion, nation and humanity.

“The UAE, upon the directives of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has dedicated this day to glorify the names of its martyrs.

“The UAE, under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, The Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates, appreciates the sacrifices of its martyrs who represented the nation’s shield and are now icons of will and persistence.

“On Commemoration Day, the people rally around their leadership to reiterate their loyalty, vowing to continue the journey of righteousness and supporting legitimacy everywhere, and stressing that they will never forget their martyrs and their glorious memories.

“The UAE has sent its soldiers to support ties of fraternity, responding to the Operation Decisive Storm, launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to support the brothers in Yemen and their legitimacy, and to achieve stability. As a result, the Riyadh Agreement was signed between the Yemeni Government and the Southern Transitional Council.

“We praise the efforts of our leadership and its support to the families of the martyrs and laud the country’s efforts to ease the families’ burdens, in recognition of the sacrifices of their sons.

“On this day, we are proud of the UAE Armed Forces and the Emiratis who join this great entity because they believe in the responsibility they shoulder for their country.

Martyrs are role models of loyalty to homeland: Sheikh Hamad

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, said that the Commemoration Day will remain a symbol of pride and glory, with the sacrifices by the martyrs being the cornerstone on which we will continue to achieve more accomplishments for our homeland.”

Sheikh Hamad said in his statement to the Nation Shield magazine: “With all pride and gratitude, we recall the acts of patriotism of the UAE Armed Forces men who sacrificed their souls for the sake of the homeland to. Our martyrs are role models for belonging and loyalty to the homeland.

“While celebrating the nation’s martyrs, we renew our commitment that we, in the UAE led by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will spare no efforts to support our Arab brothers who’ve suffered from war and sabotage. We, the UAE leadership and people, will continue to stand by them by sustaining the late Sheikh Zayed’s approach and principles aimed at supporting right issues and strengthening Arab bonds.

“On this occasion, we extend greetings to the UAE Armed Forces members inside the country and abroad who are always proactive to protect stability and security of our country. They are our shield who keep our country unified and safe.

“On the Commemoration Day, we pledge to protect our national gains and achievements made by our martyrs. We are committed to continue the journey of progress and giving to present an integrated cultural model to the whole world.”

Commemoration Day upholds values of sacrifice: Sheikh Saud

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, said that the Commemoration Day upholds the values of sacrifice, redemption and love to the homeland, noting that the occasion is a tribute to all the country’s heroes.

Sheikh Saud said in his statement to the Nation Shield magazine that the occasion holds a significant meaning to the people of the UAE, as November 30 was the day when the first Emirati martyr Salem Suhail bin Khamis Al Dahmani lost his life while defending his country in 1971.

Sheikh Saud noted that national cohesion represents the true meaning of unification and effective participation in building the nation, preserving its gains and strengthening its social fabric as well as the culture of loyalty instilled by the founding fathers.

“It is a source of pride for us to witness the honouring of martyrs of the homeland in recognition and appreciation of their sacrifices and acts of patriotism, as they represent an immortal example of national unity and belonging.”

The Ruler of Umm Al Quwain added that the Commemoration Day is an opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices made by the martyrs to protect the glory, assets and gains of the country.

Sheikh Saud concluded by saying that these sacrifices and noble values will remain instilled in the hearts of young people. “The UAE’s martyrs will always be role models for the sons of the homeland who will continue to pursue the path of goodness and glory.”

Martyrs’ sacrifices are beacons for a brighter future: Sheikh Saud

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said the sacrifices made by the Emirati martyrs will remain indelible in the UAE’s history as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Sheikh Saud, in a statement to the Nation Shield magazine, said: “The UAE takes pride in our heroes who responded to the call of duty and sacrificed their souls in protection of their nation’s glory and in defence of its periphery and national gains.

“The inspiring narratives of our martyrs on the battlefronts will remain beacons for a brighter future for the entire nation and its people. And on this memorable day in the country’s history, we renew the commitment of the UAE, leadership and people, to continue to support the families of our martyrs, whose sacrifices will remain a model to be copied for all those seeking to ensure the security and dignity of the homeland. Thanks to our martyrs’ heroic deeds, our national flag will continue to fly high on all fronts and our people will remain proud of their nation’s accomplishments and glories.

“On this glorious occasion, we reiterate our support for our soldiers on the front lines and re-assert that the UAE will continue to disseminate a message of peace, love, and tolerance to the entire world and reiterate that sacrifices for the homeland hold a sublime significance for upholding these values.”