H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, lauded the sacrifices of the UAE martyrs who died while defending their country and safeguarding regional security and stability.

"The loss of our brave servicemen is painful to us and to their families. Despite the great loss, we are proud of them and of their heroism," H.H. Sheikha Fatima said while visiting Wahat Al Karama, the memorial site created to honour the UAE’s martyrs.

She described the Commemoration Day, celebrated on 30th November, as "a day of glory to the whole country and to the mothers of the martyrs who gave us those gallant heroes."

She also praised President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s decision to mark 30th November as the Commemoration Day, saying that it shows the leadership’s appreciation for those who sacrificed their lives for their country.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima noted that the Commemoration Day anniversary coincides with the UAE’s National Day, which gives it further significance.

According to her, the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to establish the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office, MFAO, at the Court of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, shows the great attention he pays to the sacrifices made by the martyrs and the care he gives to their families.

She also paid tribute to the Emirati women for their dedicated services to the country.

"The UAE women are keen to serve their country, in military, home, school or office. They are the mothers of our heroes who made sacrifices to keep our flag high," she added.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima further stressed the UAE's firm stand to support brotherly and friendly countries facing terrorism and threats to their security and stability. She underlined the humanitarian aid the UAE provides to all nations in need, regardless of religious beliefs, colour or race.

She expressed her sympathy for the families of the martyrs and said, "Martyrs are our children. We are deeply grieved by their loss, but consoled by the fact that they are rewarded with Paradise for their sacrifices. Their memory will always be alive in our hearts."

She then prayed to Allah the Almighty to bless the souls of all Emirati martyrs with mercy in Paradise and to grant their families patience and fortitude.

Upon arrival to the site, H.H. Sheikha Fatima was received by Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Director of MFAO of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince.

During her visit, she was accompanied by H.H. Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; H.H. Sheikha Khawla bint Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Wife of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor; H.H. Sheikha Al Yaziyah bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Wife of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation; H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council, FNC; women ministers, FNC members and women military commanders.