Sheikha Fatima pays tribute to Emirati child who died during Flag Day celebrations

The death of the Emirati child Saeed Khalfan Al Nuaimi, who fell from the roof of his family home here while trying to put up the state's flag and died, had shaken up every citizen, said H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, GWU, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, FDF, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

The death occurred during the nationwide annual celebrations marking the Flag Day on 3rd November.

"Though this tragic incident affected every citizen, yet it sends a clear message on how much his soul cherishes the love of nation, and preparedness of all to sacrifice for the nation," she said in a statement after a delegation of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood visited the bereaved family.

Sheikh Fatima said that the UAE, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; Members of Supreme Council and Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, takes interest in the childhood and enables this important segment of the community to enjoy all the rights guaranteed by the law without any discrimination.

Reem Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, hailed H.H. Sheikha Fatima’s directives to visit the child’s residence. "This reflects much care of Sheikha Fatima of the childhood and all issues related with the child protection and good care," she added.

Al Falasi said that this painful incident had shocked the Emirati fathers and mothers as well as children; yet the consolation is that it conveys the theme of homeland love instilled in the hearts of the young and the old and overwhelming desire to raise the flag on top of each house to replicate the legacy of the late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The delegation conveyed the condolences of H.H. Sheikha Fatima to the family, who also thanked her for her kind gesture. The mother of the deceased child said it was painful for the family but the gesture of Sheikha Fatima had eased the loss and pain. She also extended her gratitude to the UAE leadership.