Fujairah: Naji Al Nuaimi, the young UAE diplomat who was kidnapped on May 16 last year in Iraq and freed later, was finally married on Monday, months after the initial wedding was due to take place.
The wedding ceremony was held in Dubai and was attended by more than 1,500 guests, including dignitaries.
Family members said the wedding ceremony was initially due to take place last August, but plans were put on hold after the sudden death of Naji's uncle, Ahmad Al Nuaimi, who collapsed and died amidst the jubilant scenes of Naji's return.
Naji Al Nuaimi was all over the media last year when he was held hostage by an Iraqi militant group for over two weeks before he was released unharmed.
He is still working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but is based closer to home in Abu Dhabi.
Naji's brother, Mohammad Al Nuaimi, told Gulf News that his brother's long-awaited marriage has helped the family get over last summer's turbulent events.
Mohammad said: "Many people thought it was a truly wonderful wedding ceremony and as you can imagine all family members are very happy that Naji is finally married."
He added: "The wedding has helped us to get over some of the sadness and gloom which have stayed with us since my uncle's death ... for our mother, in particular, it is obvious to see how much she wanted to see Naji married."
Naji's uncle, Nasser, also expressed the family's joy at the happy occasion.
He said: "Everyone is content with how it all went and we are looking forward to more celebrations over the coming days, but this time in the family's home town of Dibba Al Hosn."
