Emirati widow’s grief soothed by birth of son

Ms Al Saredi was eight months pregnant with her third child when the news that Waleed Ahmed Al Dhanhani had been killed reached her family, who live in Dibba Al Fujairah on the east coast.

Waleed Al Dhanhani’s children, Ahmed, 3, Dana, 7, and Waleed, who was born a month after his father’s death. Satish Kumar / The National

DIBBA AL FUJAIRAH // Amal Naser Al Saredi’s tears of grief at the death of her husband turned to tears of joy with the birth of their son a month later.

Ms Al Saredi was eight months pregnant with her third child when the news that Waleed Ahmed Al Dhanhani had been killed in Yemen reached her family, who live in Dibba Al Fujairah on the east coast.

“When I heard the news I was jolted and rendered speechless. It was the most difficult moment of my life,” said the widow.

The soldier was among 44 servicemen who lost their lives in a rocket attack on Marib on September 3, the deadliest day for Gulf forces fighting in Yemen.

Ms Al Saredi, a devout Muslim who hopes to be reunited with her husband in the afterlife, described the loss of the father of her children as an “unimaginable sorrow” but wears his sacrifice as a badge of honour.

Her son was born a month after Al Saredi’s death. He was named Waleed after his father.

“She gave birth to Waleed, that’s what everyone was saying,” said Ms Al Saredi. “He [Al Saredi] wanted to name him after a relative of ours who died recently. That was his wish. He didn’t know that his son was going to be renamed after him. It felt like the right thing to do.”

Ms Al Saredi was humbled by the kindness she was shown by the country’s rulers who visited her home to offer condolences as well as people from across the country.

“My two kids were so happy to see the sheikhs. Ahmed is a little over 3 years but recognises Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed [Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces] from the photos and was so thrilled to see him.”

Breaking the news of her father’s death to seven-year-old Dana was difficult for the widow.

“A few weeks ago we had a relative who passed away so I explained to her the concept of life after death and heaven and hell. She now understands that her father has gone to a better place and she prays for him all the time,” said Ms Al Saredi.

Fatima Ahmed Khamis, the soldier’s mother, said she still struggles with her grief.

“Sometimes I’m overwhelmed with sadness and sometimes it gets better. That’s how it is,” said the grandmother. “I miss all the times he used to call and check on me.”

Hamad Naser Al Saredi, the martyr’s brother in law, said the funeral and the days that followed were bitter sweet.

“People were paying their condolences yet congratulating us on his martyrdom. The sacrifice has a dual meaning and it resonates with everyone this martyrs’ day and national day.”

Hamad remembers the soldier as a family man who valued education and self advancement.

“He studied abroad in the US and has a Masters from Al Ghurair University. It seemed that he had the rest of his life ahead of him.”

Like other families who have lost loved ones during the fighting in Yemen, visits by the country’s rulers had a profound effect in easing their pain.

“Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said consider me your father and the father of the children. This is your country and I’m here for you. He was one of us and we are eternally grateful to his kindness and support,” said Hamad.

In the lead up to Commemoration Day The National speaks to the families of the soldiers who have died during the Saudi-led coalition launched Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen. Check out our coverage here:

› UAE fallen soldier was father to whole community

› Children of UAE hero killed in Yemen proud of father's sacrifice

› UAE soldier killed in rocket attack was a man of faith and love