Regional conflicts stimulate culture of ‘martyrdom’ in the UAE
Issue 1001
- 02 Oct 2015
| 5 minute read
Even before the many coffins were unloaded from military aircraft at Al-Bateen Executive Airport in central Abu Dhabi in early September, the creation on 19 August of a national Martyrs’ Day had established another focus for growing themes of nationalism and memorialisation of war dead in the UAE. No official death toll is available, but open-source monitoring of funerals and sheikhs’ visits to grieving families suggest that, as of mid-September, some 76 Emirati personnel had been killed abroad since the first casualty was sustained in Bahrain 18 months ago.
Don't have an account?
Register for access to our free content
An account also allows you to view selected free articles and set up news alerts.
Register