Father of Emirati serviceman says he has four other sons to give to his country

Ahmed Al Mansouri's son, Saeed, died in a vehicle crash alongside five other members of the UAE Armed Forces

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, offers his condolences to the Al Mansouri family in Al Ain after the death of Capt Saeed Al Mansouri. Wam

The father of Capt Saeed Al Mansouri, an Emirati serviceman who died while on duty abroad, said he would put himself and his four other sons on the front line to defend the UAE if needed.

Ahmed Al Mansouri spoke to Abu Dhabi TV after burying his son at Al Thawaher Cemetery in Al Ain on Saturday.

“My son, thank God, is a martyr and I have another four others and myself on top, ready to serve the country,” he said.

“This is something to be proud of. Not just for me but for everyone who has attended today. Everything cheapens for the service of one’s country. I am so very proud,” he said, inferring that it was a small price to pay to serve the UAE.

Recalling the day his son joined the army, he said “On the day of his [entry] interview, he was asked why he wanted to join the army and his answer was that he saw his father dressed in uniform, so he was convinced by the idea and thank God, God chose him.”

Capt Al Mansouri died in a vehicle crash alongside Sgt Saif Al Tunaiji and warrant officers Ali Al Dhanhani, Zayed Al Amri, Saleh Saleh bin Amro and Nasser Al Kaabi.

Their deaths were announced by the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces on Friday.

Their bodies were repatriated the following day, arriving at Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi aboard a UAE Air Force plane before being carried out onto the tarmac draped in UAE flags during a military ceremony.

Burials were held in their respective emirates after maghrib – or sunset – prayers on Saturday. Their families began receiving condolences immediately after.

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, visited Mr Al Mansouri to offer his condolences.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance, also visited the family to pay his respects.