"As sad as we are for the loss of Jassim, we are proud of our youth and their sacrifices while performing their duties in protecting lives and saving people," said Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Wednesday.
"The men of this country make our generations proud."
"We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the martyr and the nation's firefighter Jassim Isa Al Baloushi... We ask God to give his family and his family patience and solace"
Emirati firefighter Jassim Al Baloushi died on Wednesday after helping to save 282 passengers and 18 crew members aboard a crash landed Emirates flight at Dubai International Airport.
A funeral for the fallen 27-year-old firefighter drew hundreds of mourners to Sheikh Rashid Mosque in Kharran, Baloushi's hometown in Ras Al Khaimah, on Thursday morning. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, crown prince of the emirate, was among those who gathered for the service.
"My eldest son died as a hero while saving the lives of the plane passengers; he is a martyr, and he will be missed greatly," Baloushi's father said, according to The National .
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced Baloushi's death early Wednesday evening, after confirming that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated from the Boeing 777 aircraft.
"We are however, very sad to announce that one of the firefighters lost his life while saving the lives of the others," the director general of GCAA said, according to Khaleej Times .
"On behalf of the General Civil Aviation Authority, I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of [the] deceased. I salute his ultimate sacrifice that kept many from harm's way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Flight EK52 was traveling from India when it crash landed at Dubai International Airport around 12:45 p.m. Wednesday. The plane went on fire, sending smoking billowing into the air. Social media users shared shocking images of the crash.