AJMAN // Friends and family of Nawwaf Abdullah Salim Al Nuaimi spoke of their shock at the pilot's death in a training accident on Sunday after having spoken to him earlier in the day.
The 32-year-old Air Force captain was laid to rest in Al Jurf cemetery after funeral prayers at Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
The General Command of the UAE Armed Forces said Al Nuaimi’s plane went down during a training flight over the UAE, killing him and an instructor.
“I can’t believe he is gone, he was with us in the morning and now he is buried,” said Issa Al Nuaimi, the serviceman’s brother. “I was at work when I received a call informing me that he died in a plane crash.”
The pilot was married with two young children, Abdullah, 3, and Ayesha, 2. He lived with his family in Mushrif.
“He joined the military in 2001 and joined the Air Force in 2004. He loved his country and the fact that he was a soldier for this great country,” Issa said.
Tariq, the pilot’s younger brother, was still in shock.
“I can’t believe he is gone, he was a great man, loyal, supportive to his family and caring for his brothers and sisters. He was always smiling, he loved to help and go out with his friends, he was athletic and loved sports,” Tariq said.
Khalid Al Awadi said he had spent Saturday evening with his close friend watching football.
“We sat in a cafe and watched Barcelona. We had fun and enjoyed our time before we went home. In the morning he sent us a message on Whatsapp wishing us a good day,” Khalid said.
Abdullah Al Marzoqi was also shocked to hear of his friend’s death. “Nawwaf was my friend for the past 10 years, he was known for his big smiles and his care for his friends and family.”
No information was released regarding the location of the crash, the type of aircraft or when the crash occurred.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
