Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates celebrates its National Day and Commemoration Day at the end of November. This dual national occasion reflects the spirit of sacrifice, belonging, and loyalty to the nation. It also commemorates the heroism of Salem Suhail Khamis bin Zail Al Dahmani, the first Emirati martyr. He was martyred at dawn on November 30, 1971, on Greater Tunb Island while performing his duty at the island’s police station in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, defending the sovereignty and flag of the nation.
Biography and beginnings
Salem Suhail Khamis was born in 1951 and joined the Ras Al Khaimah Police Force at an early age. He was distinguished by his discipline and professional commitment. He was also assigned to guard the police station on Greater Tunb Island, becoming the first policeman at the security post there.
Local sources indicate that he received a military number in the police force. He was known among his comrades for his military zeal and his constant readiness to assume responsibility on the front lines.
Dawn of the tournament
On the morning of Tuesday, November 30, 1971, units of the Iranian army launched an attack on Greater Tunb Island. This was part of an occupation operation that included the three islands.
On the morning of November 30, 1971, Salem and his five colleagues were preparing for the morning roll call at the Greater Tunb police station. The population was no more than 120 people.
Suddenly, they noticed Iranian warships circling the island. They also observed Iranian Phantom fighter jets hovering and dropping leaflets in Persian. Amphibious torpedo boats (hovercraft) were seen landing on the shore. Additionally, helicopters carrying Iranian paratroopers and commandos were landing.
An Iranian helicopter landed near the flagpole, and a civilian got out asking for the signal. Salem approached him. But suddenly, armed Iranian soldiers landed and demanded that he take down the Ras Al Khaimah flag.
But Salem bravely refused the demand and fiercely defended the flag. He and his colleagues faced the attacking force with limited resources. He also refused to lower the Ras Al Khaimah flag and insisted it remain flying high on the center’s flagpole, before he fell as a martyr defending his homeland and its sovereignty.
National significance
Salem’s martyrdom is a symbol of sacrifice for national identity. It also embodies the meaning of defending the land and the national symbol, as his stance on the flag has become an inspiring story passed down through generations in the UAE, at a time when the three islands remain at the heart of the UAE’s firm claim to sovereignty.
Immortalized in Memory
The UAE has designated November 30th as Martyrs’ Day to commemorate the sacrifices of its sons. The connection between this date and the name of Salem Suhail stems from his status as the nation’s first martyr. His life story has been continuously honored through official and cultural tributes, with annual media coverage recounting his heroism. All of this reinforces his place in the national consciousness as a symbol of courage, discipline, and loyalty.
official celebrations
The UAE’s National Day and Commemoration Day celebrations this year included official and public events across all the emirates. These events included raising the national flag and holding memorial services for the martyrs. Additionally, exhibitions and documentary initiatives were launched to highlight the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes, foremost among them Salem Suhail, and to emphasize the values of unity, loyalty, and national belonging.
Lessons learned
The story of Salem Suhail highlights the importance of protecting national sovereignty through clear stances during times of crisis. It also demonstrates that dedication in remote and critical positions is a fundamental aspect of building a nation’s institutions.
It also affirms that national heroic narratives are not merely heritage, but a tool for strengthening national unity and awareness of the higher values of belonging and loyalty. These values are renewed each year with the commemoration of Martyrs’ Day and Union Day.
