From martial arts to military training, Emirati schools pupils have proven they are the nation’s hope and future, according to Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, and Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs.
The ministers made the comments during a visit to the National Service Training Centre in Al Ain on Monday to thank pupils who took part in a military training summer camp.
"Emirati youth has today become a representation of will and determination, and have taken the lead in defending their nation and sacrificing their lives to preserve its accomplishments," they said.
The volunteer summer session for school pupils — launched by the National and Reserve Service Authority — was organised “with a vision to build generations that could be pivotal for the present and the future”, said Mr Al Hammadi.
Ms Al Mazrui said there has been great demand from the youth and older citizens to participate in National Service since the law was issued in 2014 by President Sheikh Khalifa.
The law requires every Emirati man aged between 18 and 30 to sign up for military service.
The landmark legislation was first announced in January 2014 and was fast-tracked through the FNC by March.
In 2016 the legal term for conscripts with high secondary school degrees was extended to 12 months from nine.
Ms Al Mazrui said enthusiasm for serving the country is particularly evident in men over 30 years of age and women who are not obliged to enlist but have rushed to join the voluntary programme nonetheless.
“This is a testimony to their patriotism and the desire to serve the country.”
The National and Reserve Service Authority programme keeps pupils occupied in their spare time and teaches them Emirati values of discipline, giving, co-operation and serving the nation, state news agency Wam said.
Some emiratis that have completed national service believe it has helped them to secure a job or scholarship.
Earlier this year, the National Ambulance service this it is targetting national service graduates to work as paramedics, with a nine-month training course leading to a career as a firs responder. At present, fewer than 1 per cent of ambulance service personnel are Emirati.
