Ras Al Khaimah man dies in drowning tragedy during Mykonos holiday
Badr Al Harmi, 35, lost his life after being swept away by powerful sea currents while swimming off the Greek island of Mykonos, prompting an outpouring of grief from the RAK community.
RAK Emirati dies in Mykonos drowning during Greece holiday
Thousands of mourners gathered in Ras Al Khaimah on Thursday to pay their final respects to a young Emirati man who died in a drowning accident off the coast of Mykonos earlier this week, the second such tragedy involving UAE nationals abroad this summer.
Badr Abdullah Mohammed Al Harmi, 35, lost his life on Monday after being caught in powerful sea currents while swimming with friends shortly after arriving at the popular Greek tourist destination. The government employee from Al Mairid area was remembered by the community as a well-respected and kind-hearted individual known for his generosity.
Dangerous conditions at Mykonos beaches
The incident occurred as swimming conditions at Mykonos can change rapidly, particularly when strong winds create waves and dangerous currents unsuitable for casual swimming. Such sea currents are a significant hazard at ocean beaches worldwide, with rip currents alone accounting for approximately 80 percent of beach rescues performed by lifeguards.
According to sources familiar with the incident, Al Harmi travelled from Abu Dhabi to Greece with friends on Monday. After landing in Athens, the group headed directly to Mykonos but learned upon arrival that hotel check-in would not be available until 3pm. Al Harmi, an experienced swimmer who enjoyed water activities, suggested the group spend the waiting time at the beach.
Powerful sea currents suddenly swept Al Harmi and his companions into deeper waters. While the others managed to survive, Al Harmi struggled against the waves. Medical reports later determined he suffered cardiac arrest while battling the rough conditions. Those close to the case noted he had endured a long journey from Abu Dhabi to Athens and then to Mykonos, including a ferry trip lasting around four and a half hours with little opportunity for rest.
Community mourning and tribute
Al Harmi, the only son of his parents and survived by four sisters, was laid to rest following funeral prayers at Al Diwan Mosque in the Al Mamourah area. His body had arrived at Dubai International Airport at approximately 5am Thursday aboard an Emirates flight before being transferred to Ras Al Khaimah for burial at Al Hudaibah Cemetery.
In a touching display of community solidarity, friends and well-wishers launched a fundraising campaign that successfully covered the costs of building two mosques and a water well in his memory before his burial.
Embassy assistance and repatriation
The family expressed gratitude to the UAE Embassy in Greece for its support following the tragedy and for facilitating the repatriation process. The UAE Ambassador in Athens personally contacted the family to offer condolences. Greece established its embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1989 and maintains a commercial section in Dubai, while the UAE operates its embassy in Athens.
Broader context of water safety risks
The tragedy comes as Greece recorded 168 drowning deaths by early August 2026, though this represents a decrease of 49 incidents compared with the same period in 2025. According to figures from Greece's National Public Health Organisation, the country averages 357 drowning deaths annually, ranking among European nations with high frequencies of fatal water incidents at around 3.6 drowning deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
The World Health Organisation ranks drowning as the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, claiming 300,000 lives annually. Water-related deaths represent one of the leading causes of non-natural deaths for international travellers, alongside motor vehicle crashes.
This incident marks the second death involving UAE nationals during overseas summer holidays this year. In July, an Emirati child from Ras Al Khaimah died in a traffic accident in Tunisia while on holiday with his mother.
Greece has maintained strong tourism momentum in 2026, with inbound travel traffic rising by 15.4 percent to 13.49 million travellers between January and June, highlighting the country's continued popularity as a holiday destination.
