Dubai: Underscoring the benefits of the mandatory military service in the UAE, Major Abdullah Mohammad Al Malih, Head of Research at the Sharjah Police Research Centre, said that national service aims at creating an ideal citizen, one who has a bond with his country and is not susceptible to “destructive influences”.
Speaking at a special session on national service at the the 33rd annual Sharjah International Book Fair, Al Malih said that “many civilisations saw the advantages of military service in multiple sectors. The national service is aimed at securing five key goals, which are national, security, social, economic and political.”
The National Service law was passed earlier this year, requiring all men between the ages of 18-30 to enrol in the army. The service is optional for women. Thousands of UAE citizens have already been recruited, including the crown princes of Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.
“If a male citizen has finished high school education, he will enlist for nine months,” Al Malih said. “However, if they do not have a high school degree they will be obliged to serve for two years. This is an indirect way of encouraging citizens to pursue their education.”
Al Malih said the military service will strengthen citizens’ sense of patriotism and national belonging.
“The national service will cultivate a sense of belonging for recruits,” he said, “It will highlight the definition of a countryman and will align the goals of the individual with his country.”
Al Malih said that “at a time when the young generation finds themselves susceptible to iniquities such as drugs and other crimes, the national service will help educate them on the dangers of such vices and help steer them on a morally sound path. It will also create job opportunities for Emiratis and help them hone themselves as individuals.”
“UAE citizens will also identify security threats that may come internally and externally,” he said. “This inculcates a sense of obligation in the citizen.”
In the event of a natural disaster or catastrophe, Al Malih said that citizens will be trained to ensure safety and security.
“We need to be prepared for any calamities that may grip the nation, and train our people to efficiently deal with and overcome these disasters which will secure the safety and security of our country.”
The physical and mental training that is integrated in the national service will also help curb health problems, Al Malih said.
“The first four months of the enrolment will take place in a physical training camp,” he said. “This will help reduce many health problems affecting our countrymen and keep them in good physical and mental shape.”
