ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, offered condolences to the family of Capt Hadif Humaid Al Shamsi, who died while serving in Yemen on Saturday.
During his visit to the mourning majlis in Al Ain, Sheikh Mohammed expressed his heartfelt sympathies to Capt Al Shamsi’s family and said that “the heroism and great sacrifices of the soldiers of the UAE Armed Forces in the fields of honour are a source of pride and glory for the leaders and people of the UAE”.
Sheikh Mohammed said the soldiers’ sacrifices also showed the country’s and its peoples’ sense of belonging to the Arab Nation and their interest in preserving the security and stability of all brotherly countries.
Also of interest for the UAE was “extending a helping hand to them and standing up for their just causes against the forces of injustice, aggression, extremism and terrorism and the threats that undermine the pillars of regional peace and stability”, the Crown Prince said.
Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa, Advisor to the UAE President, also paid his respects to Capt Al Shamsi’s family.
Capt Al Shamsi, born in 1984, was attacked in his car by gunmen while parked at a supermarket in Aden. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
He was buried in the Al Mutawa cemetery in Al Ain on Sunday after soldiers, citizens and residents numbering in the thousands joined his funeral prayer at the Armed Forces Martyrs’ Mosque.
Capt Al Shamsi’s cousin, who had grown up with him, said he was a standout young man, a great personality, and a poet who loved being around people.
“He was a man among men and now we remember him fondly,” he said.
tsubaihi@thenational.ae