UAE Commemoration Day – An ode to the country’s brave soldiers
- Significance of Martyrs Day in the UAE
- UAE Commemoration Day Celebrations
- UAE’S Tribute to the Martyrs
- UAE Commemoration Day Statement By Leaders
- FAQs
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrates Commemoration Day (previously known as Martyr’s Day) on 30th November* every year to honour the brave nationals who sacrificed their lives to preserve the country’s safety and sovereignty. For those who want to know more about the significance of the UAE Commemoration Day and how it is celebrated in the country, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for you.
*Please note: The UAE Commemoration Day is observed on 30th November but the holiday is given on 1st December.
UAE MARTYR’S DAY HISTORY: WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THE UAE COMMEMORATION DAY?
In 2015, the late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the second president of the UAE declared 30th November Martyr’s Day/Commemoration Day.
He decreed that the day would be dedicated to remembering the services of Emirati martyrs who died performing military, civil and humanitarian duties in the UAE and abroad. Now Martyr’s Day is known as UAE Commemoration Day and is celebrated every year.
The day honours the sacrifice of all fallen heroes, including the first Emirati martyr, Salem Suhail bin Khamis, who gave up his life during the battle of Greater Tunb, fighting Iranian forces* in 1971.
*Iran launched an attack on the UAE on the eve of its formation.
HOW IS THE UAE COMMEMORATION DAY CELEBRATED ACROSS THE REGION?
On every commemoration day, residents come together to honour the legacy of the martyrs by observing a minute of silence. To help people become a part of this drive, the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office sends out an SMS to everyone.
UAE’S TRIBUTE TO THE MARTYRS: KEY NATIONAL INITIATIVES LAUNCHED BY THE GOVERNMENT
Every year, the UAE pays tribute to all the martyrs who have dedicated their lives to ensure the safety and advancement of the country on Commemoration Day.
Over the past few years, the government has introduced several national initiatives to express its gratitude to the fallen soldiers and extend the nation’s support for their families. Here are some of the most popular projects launched by the government on UAE Commemoration Day.
2020 MFAO SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
In 2020, The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office (MFAO) supervised the #UAEisproudofyou campaign on social media to engage all the citizens in events and activities organised to honour the martyrs. The campaign featured workshops, meetings, sporting events and portrait drawing activities by the students.
SUPPORT PROGRAMMES FOR MARTYRS’ FAMILIES
The UAE government also devised a comprehensive strategy to help the martyrs’ families lead dignified lives. The government’s support programmes included four key components.
- Housing programmes to support the family’s stability
- Quality education to the children of martyrs
- Providing healthcare services
- Organising initiatives to improve lives and enhance sporting, cultural and scientific skills
ESTABLISHMENT OF MARTYRS’ FAMILIES’ AFFAIR OFFICE
In 2015, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the then-Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi established a Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Crown Prince Court.
OTHER PROJECTS
Additionally, the UAE government launched these initiatives.
- A career counselling programme for children of martyrs
- A joint project with the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment to rename mosques after the martyrs
UAE LEADERS REMEMBER THE FALLEN SOLDIERS
Each year, the UAE’s leaders remember the martyrs with gratitude and appreciation in their statements. This year, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi released a statement.
“On this day, we stand in admiration and respect for the UAE’s martyrs who lost their lives while protecting the sovereignty of our land and keeping our flag flying high. We vow that their sacrifices will remain etched in the memories of future generations, and we renew our pledge that the UAE leadership will continue to support the children and the families of our martyrs.
We remember with respect and appreciation the efforts of my late brother, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who designated 30th November as a day to salute the precious sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs who gave their lives while defending our nation. The UAE was founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the Founding Fathers, on the values of giving and sacrifice.
Commemoration Day is a time of appreciation and loyalty, and an opportunity to deepen the sense of belonging to the UAE. We call upon the nation’s youth to learn from the noble values demonstrated by our fallen heroes and emulate them when performing their duties to the best of their abilities and mastering new skills.
The UAE of the future that we dream of, plan for, and work for, can only be built with sincere hard work and great sacrifices.
We salute the soldiers, officers and leaders of our valiant armed forces, and all members of our security services who spare no effort while protecting the achievements of our nation. We also salute our sons and daughters working in all fields of humanitarian work inside and outside the country.
May God protect the UAE and bestow His mercy and forgiveness on the souls of our martyrs and perpetuate security and safety for our nation.”
FAQs ABOUT UAE COMMEMORATION DAY
IS MARTYR’S DAY A HOLIDAY IN THE UAE?
Yes, it is a public holiday observed by all private and government departments in the UAE.
WHO IS THE FIRST MARTYR OF THE UAE?
Salem Suhail bin Khamis is the first Emirati who embraced martyrdom on 30th November 1971 during the battle of the Greater Tunb on the eve of the formation of the UAE.
With that, we wrap our guide on Commemoration Day in the UAE. If you are looking forward to the long weekend in the city, here are some of the National Day Celebrations in Dubai to keep you busy. Curious about the emblems that embody the UAE’s spirit? Check out our blog on national symbols of UAE with names.
While there are plenty of things happening around the city, there are also several UAE National holiday packages 2024 to travel abroad!
For more information and updates about Commemoration Day in the UAE 2022, stay tuned to MyBayut.
