UAE mosques renamed to honour dead soldiers

ABU DHABI // Mosques are to be renamed in honour of the Emirati soldiers killed while serving in Yemen.

The Martyrs’ Families Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court launched the joint initiative with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments yesterday.

The mosques closest to the homes of the soldiers’ families will be selected for renaming, state news agency Wam reported.

The office also said that Emiratis killed while performing their national duty both at home and abroad in the civil, military or humanitarian fields, would be included.

Dr Mohammed Al Kaabi, chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, said the initiative “translates the valuable concept of martyrdom in Islam and was being taken in recognition of the sacrifices made by the servicemen”.

The renaming of mosques was also “in line with the efforts exerted by the office in cooperation with all government, private and popular institutions, as well as individuals to commemorate the anniversary of the martyrs”.

On November 30, the country will mark its first Martyrs’ Day.

Since April, when the Saudi-led coalition launched Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen, about 70 Emirati servicemen have died on duty.