Young graduates of National Service have been meeting employers to market themselves to the companies.
Hundreds of Emiratis who have completed nine months of military training on Sunday attended the opening day of the National Service Career Fair in the capital.
Sixty companies and education institutions from the public and private sectors are participating in the two-day event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
Most of the graduates, many of whom are still only 18, learnt to be disciplined and gained problem-solving skills. They completed training in physical fitness, weapons handling, unit cohesion and learnt the logistics of military operations.
“I was not sure what I wanted to do once I left school. But after I completed National Service, I know which professional path I want to follow,” said Suhail Al Kaabi, 18.
“We get to learn a lot of different skills during National Service, including what different departments the army and police work with.
“Although I do not want to join the army, I developed an interest in aviation during my training.
“I am now applying for my undergraduate degree in air and navigation services, and hope I get selected to learn and work at the same time.”
It is mandatory for Emirati men between 18 and 30 years old who have completed secondary school to serve National Service for nine months, while those who did not complete secondary school education have to serve two years.
Under the law, Emiratis who complete their national service will enjoy benefits including marriage grants, scholarships and plots of land on which to build their homes.
Emirati men between 30 and 40 years old are eligible to volunteer for a 15-week National Service stint.
“It is much easier to find a job when we have the certificate showing that we have completed National Service,” said
Abdullah Faris, 18. “When people know we have finished training, they want to hire us right away. I even got a scholarship for my higher studies because of National Service and am now looking to get into either aviation or human resources.”
Although Emirati women are not legally obliged to join National Service, they have the option to sign up for nine months’ training.
Making that decision could change their lives, said Aysha Al Ali, 26.
“I signed up for National Service last year and it has made a huge difference in my daily life and career,” said Ms Ali, who works for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc).
“No matter what age you are at, National Service will only benefit you. I work at Adnoc and my work is usually behind a desk.
“I joined National Service because I needed a change and some action – different from my usual life. There is just one word for the experience – amazing.
“I faced a lot of things, good and bad, during training, which taught me how to deal with different situations.”
Ms Al Ali, who professed that she used to be shy, said her experience of military training helped to boost her confidence.
“I am not shy to speak with people any more. I do not hold myself back, in fact now I want to interact with other people,” she said.
“It is something I never did -behind my desk at work.
“The service is planning to have a one-month session for graduates every year to refresh whatever they learnt … and I really hope they have one for women too.”
mmannan@thenational.ae
