Sheikh Hamdan pays tribute to firefighter killed in Dubai blaze

Dubai's Crown Prince tells of how Sgt Omar Khalifa Al Ketbi lost his life responding to emergency in Al Aweer

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, have paid tribute to Sgt Omar Khalifa Al Ketbi. Photo: Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed / TwShow more

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has paid tribute to a firefighter killed in the line of duty on Friday.

He told of how Sgt Omar Khalifa Al Ketbi had died responding to a fire in Al Aweer district, in a message posted on social media on Saturday.

"Our firefighters sacrifice their lives to save others and to protect our nation," Sheikh Hamdan wrote on Twitter, accompanied by a black and white image of the officer.

"Dubai will remember Sergeant Omar Khalifa Al Ketbi, who passed away while on duty responding to a fire in Al Aweer."

Crews from Al Mizhar, Rashidiya and Nad Al Shiba fire stations were called to a fire at Al Kabayel Discount Centre at 12.32pm on Friday, Dubai Media Office said in a statement issued later on Saturday evening.

Officers evacuated the scene and spent several hours extinguishing the fire.

A section of the building's roof collapsed during the cooling down process at 7.20pm, resulting in the death of Sgt Al Ketbi, 29.

He had served Rashidiya fire station since 2017.

Lt Gen Rashid Al Matrooshi, director general of Dubai Civil Defence, extended his condolences to the family of Sgt Al Ketbi.

“Bravery and fearlessness are the defining characteristics of dedicated civil defence personnel who never hesitate to fulfil their duty at all times,” he said.

“Their invaluable sacrifices serve as medals of honour and evidence of the Emirates citizens' readiness to give their lives for the sake of duty, ensuring that the UAE remains a land of security and safety.”

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, who is also the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, also shared his condolences on social media.

He said Sgt Al Ketbi's memory would live on in the hearts of the people of Dubai due to his courageous deeds.