Nabia Merei was born on April 15, 1954 in the village of Hurfeish, the son of a Druze family that worked the land and the brother of Hila, Majid, Mofid, Nazia, and Anwar. He completed his elementary education in Hurfeish, and continued his high school education at the "Iron" agricultural school in Hadera. From a young age, he was active in youth movements, first as a trainee and instructor in the "Tsofim" movement and later in the framework of the Gadna.

In October 1972, he enlisted in the IDF, determined to join the paratroopers unit – an unusual decision for members of the Druze community at the time, who were accustomed to enlisting in the minority unit. With the help of Defense Minister Moshe Dayan and Chief of Staff David Elazar, he succeeded in fulfilling his dream. During his training, he participated in the Yom Kippur War and fought in the Sinai Peninsula. He then went to an officer course and was assigned to a sword battalion, where he held various positions, including platoon commander, deputy battalion commander, and operations officer.

In 1975, he began permanent service, and his military service was characterized by perseverance, professionalism, and exceptional leadership ability. He was known as a moral, responsible commander with an inspiring presence, who was always there for his soldiers. His colleagues called him “the commander who never tires.” Over the years, he held a long list of significant positions, including company commander at the Infantry School, platoon commander at the Officers' School, a brigade commander in the Golan Heights, deputy commander of the Nahal training base, a brigade commander of the regional brigade in Lebanon, chief instructor at the Officers' School, and battalion commander.

In 1989, after the fall of Colonel Yitzhak Rahimov, Nabia was appointed commander of the Western Brigade in southern Lebanon and promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He faced a complex security situation and managed his command with a firm hand and great responsibility, while maintaining the security of the region and the residents of the north. He later served as deputy commander of the Arava Brigade, and then as commander of the brigade, where he strengthened ties with the surrounding communities and gave the residents a deep sense of security.

During his service, he studied at the University of Haifa for a bachelor's degree in Middle Eastern studies and later completed a master's degree in political science and national security at the National Security College. In 1994, he was appointed commander of the Northern Brigade in the Gaza Strip. In this role, he worked to thwart terrorist attacks and strengthen the sense of security among the residents of Gush Katif, and was known for his good relations with the heads of the settlements and the residents of the Gaza Strip. He was then appointed deputy commander of the Gaza Division, a position that was supposed to lead to his promotion to the rank of brigadier general.

Nabia was a broad-minded and intellectual man. In his free time, he read, especially in the fields of history and strategy, and collected antique fountain pens and rare swords. He was meticulous about physical fitness and considered it an integral part of his lifestyle.

On September 27, 1996, Lieutenant Colonel Nabia Meri was killed during a battle in the Gaza Strip. As the situation in the region escalated, he was called to the field due to his close ties with the Palestinian officers. After meeting with them and bringing calm to the northern sector, he rushed south to help his soldiers who were under attack by Palestinian fire. During the battle, he was wounded and killed. He was 42 years old when he fell. He was laid to rest in the military section in the village of Hurfeish, leaving behind his wife, Sherha, his daughter Manal, his parents, and his five brothers and sisters.

Nabia's memory is commemorated in a variety of initiatives and sites across the country: a memorial room in his home in Hurfish became a pilgrimage site for soldiers, students, and youth; a center for bravery and an Olympic shooting range were established in his name on Kibbutz Nir Am; a cultural club was opened in Shaarei Tikva and groves were planted in his memory in Zikim, Karmia, and Bnei Sabalen. In addition, a torch relay is held annually in his memory and a memorial book is dedicated to his work.

Heads of state and ministers paid tribute to him with words of appreciation. Shimon Peres said: “Nabiyya proved that a person can be both wonderful and a brave soldier, his personal charm crossed borders of nationality and status.” Ariel Sharon described him as “an extraordinary warrior and commander, a symbol of the courage and determination of the Druze community.” Yitzhak Mordechai said: “In his life and in his death, he was a symbol of the courageous bond between the Druze and the Jews.” Avigdor Kahalani defined him as “the man in uniform whose soldiers were proud to be his subordinates,” and Major General Matan Vilnai said of him: “Nabiyya dedicated his life to the IDF – an example and role model for us all.”