AL AIN // Before Hamoud Ali Saleh Al Ameri left the UAE to fulfil his national duty, he promised to take his parents for medical treatment abroad on his return.
It was an example of the 29-year-old first lieutenant’s deep devotion to his family, his loved ones said on Saturday.
Al Ameri died in Germany while receiving treatment for injuries from a rocket attack in Marib province, Yemen, in September.
His body, shrouded in the UAE flag, was borne by his military comrades who led a group of mourners to the Martyrs Mosque of the Armed Forces in Al Ain, where funeral prayers were held after midday.
Al Ameri was initially sent to Saudi Arabia for treatment but was transferred to Germany on September 9.
His brothers Nasser, Ahmed and Musallam “didn’t leave his side since”, said a cousin, Mohammed Ahmed Al Ameri.
“He was a fighter but his injuries were greater than he could handle,” said Mr Al Ameri.
Al Ameri lived with his parents and his wife and children in Al Yahar, Al Ain. He leaves behind a five-year-old daughter, Wadeema, and a three-year-old son, Mohammed.
His wife is pregnant with their third child.
Al Ameri’s father, Ali, praised his son’s exemplary character which was marked by kindness.
“He cared so much for his mum and I. He never let us need anything,” said Mr Al Ameri.
“He’s taken us on several medical trips to India and Thailand for treatments and check-ups, and promised to take us to a few more upon his return.”
No matter how busy he was, the serviceman always made time for his family, said his mother, Qasiya Humaid Al Ameri.
She said her son was as a man of family, duty and honour.
“I am proud of him and his sacrifice,” she said.
Al Ameri’s two children have been comforted by their grandparents and relatives.
“I’m happy. I’m not sad. My father is now in heaven,” said Wadeema. Her positive character has helped her family smile despite the difficult time of grief.
Al Ameri’s body was airlifted to Al Ain after honourary procedures were held yesterday morning, attended by senior Armed Forces officials in Abu Dhabi.
Before the funeral prayers, the imam of the Martyrs Mosque spoke to the congregation, urging them to stay strong and to remain faithful.
“Only last week, we were gathered here to bid farewell to our brother Al Shamsi, and today we are gathered here to bid farewell to another of our brothers,” he said, referring to Capt Hadif Humaid Al Shamsi, also from Al Ain, who was shot dead by gunmen earlier this month while guarding Emirates Red Crescent aid workers.
“These goodbyes are never easy, but we find solace in the great example of sacrifice they’ve shown to their country and people.”
After the funeral prayers, Al Ameri’s body was laid to rest at Al Mutawa Cemetery in Al Ain.
His relatives will accept condolences from well-wishers in their home in Al Yahar until Monday. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, have offered condolences to the family.
About 70 Emirati servicemen have died on active duty for Operation Restoring Hope with the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen since June.
Most fatalities took place in Marib, when dozens of Emiratis were killed in the rocket attack.
nalremeithi@thenational.ae