UAE is a country that attaches great importance to the life and sacrifice of its Citizens. As such, the Martyr’s Day or Commemoration Day is celebrated every year on 30^th November to recognize the sacrifice of Emirati martyrs. On this occasion, the country remembers the Emiratis who have sacrificed their lives in the country or abroad while on duty in the civil, military or humanitarian service. This Day the whole nation pays tribute to the national heroes.

When is UAE Martyr’s Day, 2022?

This year the Martyr’s Day falls on a Friday, when the whole country comes together to remember the great heroes and pay homage to them.

The country started honoring the Marty’s from 2015 when it was decided by the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to observe 30^th November every year as the Marty’s Day. This is in honour of the first soldier, Salem Suhail bin Khamis, who died on November 30^th, 1971 defending the country.

During the Battle of the Greater Tunb, Bin Khamis led a six-member force against the Iranians who tried to capture the offshore Emirate islands. Bin Khamis refused to lower the flag of UAE and was killed by the Iranian troupe.

Other martyr’s who will be remembered during this day includes the soldiers who took part in the First Gulf War and those who took part in the Saudi-led alliance against the intervention of Iran in Yemen.

Though Martyr’s day is celebrated to honor all the citizens who have sacrificed their lives for UAE, in reality, the emphasis is on military martyr’s.

How is Marty’s Day observed?

On Marty’s Day, various ceremonies are conducted all over the country by various government institutions, nationals and residents of the country to pay tribute to the heroes.

On this occasion, the leaders extend full support to the families of the Marty’s who have sacrificed their life. The UAE national flag will be lowered across the country in all government and non-government institution by 8 a.m. The flag will be in a lowered position till 11 a.m after which a one-minute silence is observed to show respect to the Martyr's.

How is the Martyr's of the country honoured?

In honor of the great leaders of the country, a Martyr's memorial called the Wahat Al Karama was set up in Abu Dhabi a few years back. This has become a place of national significance where both residents and tourists visit and pay their tribute.

The ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, also proposed the building of a monument for those who died while on national duty. In addition to this, a road in Sharjah university will be renamed as Martyr’s road.

In Ajman, a Martyr’s square and memorial are proposed to be built by the ruler of Ajman.

In addition to the above, the road linking Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah have also be renamed as “Shuhada' Street” or “Martyr’s Street.”

By assigning a day for the Martyrs of the country, the future generation gets to know more about the great heroes of the country and the sacrifice made by them for the UAE.