Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has reassured the people of the UAE about the well-being of his son, who was among the soldiers injured in last Friday’s missile attack in Yemen.

Sheikh Ahmad bin Saud was among the Emirati troops caught in an attack that killed 45 UAE soldiers stationed in Marib province as part of operations against the Houthi rebels.

Ten Saudi and five Bahraini soldiers also lost their lives.

Sheikh Saud said during a bulletin on the Oluom Al Dar TV news show that his son had “chosen the military life and knew of its circumstances” and was one of the injured soldiers.

Sheikh Ahmad is now receiving treatment for injuries, which have not been specified.

“[Sheikh] Ahmad chose the military and he is aware of the circumstances and duties. He chose to defend his homeland. As soon as I saw him in the hospital, he was asking of his friends. He said, ‘When the country takes care of my friends, I am fine’. What I saw from our brothers who are injured is a model. What I saw, honestly, is a new spirit that I did not know of but read about,” Sheikh Saud said.

“A brotherly spirit that is selfless, putting others first, and they felt better once they knew their friends were doing well.

“My son told me to assure my brothers and the families that had lost a martyr, to mourn and cry in pride, and that he is honoured to have brothers like them. Ahmad is my son, but they are all our children, and we do not differentiate between them. He didn’t go for himself, he went in defence of his nation’s honour and he and his brothers were one family, they are all proud of each other and will sacrifice themselves for the other.”

The soldiers have shown “a new face of sincerity and unconditional love to one another”, Sheikh Saud said, adding they have taught the country the true meaning of love and support.

“All those who were martyrs and injured are our children, and those who remain at the front-line are our children as well. September 4 is a date in the UAE’s history, which will show who its children stood for its right and coming together in the welfare of the nation. This day showed the true feelings of the UAE people and it is a good chance for us all to learn from our heroes so we can reach their level of bravery,” he said.

“Those who have been martyred or injured have become our role models, and they represent our love and faithfulness to the nation. Allah has granted us these children, who had stood for justice and they have served the nation greatly. They have proved to be a great example of a loving society.”

newsdesk@thenational.ae