Devotion to service and patriotism coupled with commitment in responding to the call of duty were the qualities that made martyr Khamees Rashid Abdullah Gasib Al Abdouli stand out.

The 36-year-old Khamees hails from Al Khilibiya locality 46 kilometres off the city of Fujairah and 33 kilometres from Dibba Fujairah city. The hero joined the armed forces when he was only 16 and spent 20 years in service before he left for his heavenly abode as martyr.

He adored his work and was helpful and loved by everyone.

He felt it was his duty to serve the country and always spoke about his willingness and readiness to sacrifice for the country. He never hesitated to respond to the call of duty and readily agreed when he was asked to join forces for liberating Yemen from the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and the forces loyal to the ousted former president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Khamees who was martyred while a bachelor was a loving son to his mother. Umm Mohammed mother of Khamees is proud of presenting her son as a martyr burying her deep grief and sorrow. "All my children can be sacrificed for the country and the rulers and they can recruit anyone among my children. We are all ready to sacrifice for our beloved country" she said. "We have great confidence in our sagacious leadership who does everything for the well-being of the citizens" she added.

"I am proud of him (Khamees Rashid) though the grief and pain are excruciating. Martyrdom is a medal of pride my son has received and martyrdom is the biggest consolation to us" the heartbroken woman said.

His brother Salem Al Abdouli said the loss was immeasurable as Khamees was one of the best and loved by everyone.

"He was known for his social skills and I pray to Allah to have mercy upon him for being good dutiful devoted and patriotic" Salem said. He added that his brother died a brave man defending his country and it was with great zeal that he headed to the call of duty.

"All members of our family are ready to die for the country and our lives can be laid down for the sacrifice for the land and leaders." He stressed that martyrdom is a gift of God bestowed on his believers.

His paternal cousin Saeed Al Abdouli said the martyr was of good morals and loved by everybody and was a good Samaritan extending a helping hand to those in need. "The martyr was lovable faithful and won everyone's love" he said and prayed to God to have mercy on him for his sacrifice.

Ali bin Dawood Al Abdouli echoed the words of Saeed and described him as a great example for sacrifice and giving. "We all felt proud when we laid him to rest" he said.

"In my name and the name of Al Abdouli clan I say to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed forces that were are ready to serve our country and our leaders. A large number of soldiers from our locality and clan are taking part in the war in Yemen at present and we are all ready to go to the battle front to help our brethren and restore their rights in brotherly Yemen" he added.

Salah Al Deberky