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National ceremonies and events will be organised to promote, mark and remember the values of sacrifice, dedication and loyalty of the UAE people.

The 30th of November every year in the UAE will be observed as Martyr’s Day in memory of and in tribute to the sacrifices offered by the nation’s martyrs.

This national event has also been declared a public holiday.

The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Wednesday gave orders that the day should be marked to pay homage to the sacrifices of its loyal people, who offered their lives to keep the UAE flag flying aloft while performing their national duties within and outside the country, in civilian, military and humanitarian fields.

The date has been chosen because of Salem Suhail bin Khamis, the first Emirati martyr who was killed on November 30, 1971, while defending the country’s sovereignty over the occupied Island of Greater Tunb.

According to reports, Salem Suhail was shot dead by the Iranian forces on November 30, 1971 - two days before the declaration of the UAE Federation - when they attacked the Tunb Island in an attempt to occupy it. Emirati residents and soldiers on the Island resisted the invasion. The deceased soldier was guarding the police station of the island, an affiliate of Ras Al Khaimah.

He joined the police force in Ras Al Khaimah when he was 16, and soon took up arms to defend his homeland and its sovereignty. He was about to be inducted into the UAE Armed Forces and had already received his military number. However, he did not live long to see his dream come true, and died defending the UAE territory.

On Monday, His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, also ordered a square to be dedicated in honour of the servicemen who have died since the country was founded on December 2, 1971.

The decree announced by Shaikh Khalifa said every year the day will be marked with national ceremonies and events where all state institutions, nationals and non-nationals will be engaged to promote, mark and remember the values of sacrifice, dedication and loyalty. These qualities are deeply embedded in the conscience of the UAE citizens who sacrificed their lives in battles of heroism, dedication and national duty.

Commenting on the decree, Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to Shaikh Khalifa.

He said that November 30 of each year will be an immortal day in the memory of the UAE to celebrate those who endowed their spirit to the homeland and the Arab nation. He said that their memory will always be prominent in the history of the beloved country.

An Emirati national, Mohammed Rashid Al Hamoodi, Member of the Sharjah Consultative Council, said: "I extend my sincerest appreciations and thanks to the leaders of our country who ordered to mark November 30 of every year as ’Martyr Day’ in the country."

"This implies how sincere and close our wise leaders are. The decision also indicates how the leadership is cohesive with the people," he said.

"It is no doubt that such a decision has emotionally affected and overwhelmed the families of Emirati martyrs, who defended the homeland and dignity of the Arab nation," Al Hamoodi said.

Maryam Al Hantoobi, an official at the Ministry of Justice, said that the president’s decision is an honour to those who sacrificed their lives for the country so the coming generations could remember their sacrifices, and to inculcate this into their spirit. "Those martyrs do deserve appreciation and respect...Thank you, President, for such a decision that will remind us of the sacrifices of our sons so their remembrance could remain a source of pride to the next generations."

Ahmed Al Hefeiti, retired Lt. Colonel who also serves as deputy executive director of Al Sharq (East) Healthcare Company, said: "This decision will add more to the achievements of the country in terms of caring about and appreciating the sons of its people, who sacrifice themselves for the interest and service of the society."

Seven Emiratis have lost their lives in the Saudi-led Operation Restoring Hope aimed at driving out Houthi rebels from Yemen and restoring to power the internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

In June, non-commissioned officer Hazim Obaid Al Ali, 40, died in Saudi Arabia during training exercises for the conflict. In July, non-commissioned officer Saif Youssef Ahmed Al Falasi, 35, a father of five from Dubai, and Lt Abdul Aziz Sarhan Saleh Al Kaabi, from Al Ain, were killed on duty in Yemen.

This month, Juma Al Hammadi, Khalid Al Shehhi and Fahim Al Habsi, all first corporals, were killed in Yemen and Corporeal Abdul Rahman Al Baloushi was killed after the car he was travelling in overturned in Saudi Arabia.