An Emirati who was born six months after his father was martyred while on an army task says he has followed his father’s example in becoming a security man and that he is willing to sacrifice himself for his country.

Abdullah Saif Abu Leila was born just six months after his father Saif Abu Leila fell as martyr in 1991 while on an air mission with other soldiers over a UAE island.

“My father was only 27 years old when he was martyred after his plane crashed into the sea… when I grew up, I kept asking my mother about him and why he was not at home.

She then told me that my father was a hero and that he had sacrificed himself for his country and leadership,” Abdullah told the UAE daily Emarat Al Youm.

“I have not seen my father but I feel proud of him whenever I look at his picture or hear any one talk about him…I have followed his example by becoming a security man. I fulfilled his dream by becoming a man who is ready to protect and defend his country. I am willing to sacrifice myself for my country.”

Abdullah says he named his four-month-old child after his father.