UAE announces Martyr’s day, but why November 30?

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced on Wednesday that November 30 will be observed as Martyr's Day in memory of those who have died while serving their country.

UAE President also ordered that this national event be declared a public holiday.

Emiratis who have died performing their civil, military and humanitarian duty in the UAE and abroad will be honored.

Three soldiers from the United Arab Emirates were killed earlier this month while taking part in a Saudi-led military campaign against Yemen's dominant Houthi group backed by Iran.

According to UAE history books, the first Emirati "martyr" was Salem Suhail Khamis who was killed on November 30, 1971 during the "battle of the Greater Tunb” against Iranian forces.

He was working with Ras Al Khaimah Police, which he joined when he was 16 years old.