UAE leaders honour nation’s heroes at Wahat Al Karama

The UAE's leader paid tribute to the nation’s heroes during a special ceremony at Wahat Al Karama memorial in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. 

In a statement, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted that martyrdom is the highest degree of devotion and dedication to the homeland.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, added that the Emirati martyrs' memory will remain indelible in the UAE people's consciousness.

شهدت اليوم وإخواني حكام الإمارات مراسم "يوم الشهيد" .. تغمرنا مشاعر الفخر والاعتزاز بشهدائنا الأبرار الذين بذلوا أرواحهم الزكية ليعيش وطنهم عزيزا آمنا مطمئنا ..ستظل ذكراهم خالدة في وجدان أجيال الإمارات يستمدون منها أسمى قيم الولاء والانتماء للوطن. pic.twitter.com/SJwqO1C1TL

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) November 30, 2019

The rulers of Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain also paid their respects.

At the service, a number of families were honoured with the "Medal of the Martyr" in recognition of their noble sacrifices. 

Across the country, schools and offices observed a minute's silence to honour the martyrs.

Commemoration Day is held every year to recognise the sacrifices and bravery of those who have given their lives for the UAE.