AJMAN // Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, has joined hundreds of Emiratis in enrolling for national service.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed his joy at joining the second batch of Emiratis to enlist, saying it was every Emirati’s duty and honour to do so. He was speaking on Saturday at the new Recruiters National Service Centre of Manama in Ajman.
Sheikh Mohammed praised what he described as the far-sighted vision of the nation’s leadership, as evident in the issuance of the National and Reserve Service Law by President Sheikh Khalifa.
The Crown Prince said national service was a “medal on the chest of Emiratis and a holy duty to be carried out for the homeland”.
He also praised Emiratis’ registration for national service, which he said was a display of patriotism.
The law introduced mandatory military service for all Emirati men aged 18 to 30 years and sets up a new national defence and reserve force.
Emirati men who have completed secondary education will serve nine months of national service, while those without a secondary-school diploma will serve two years.
National service is optional for women, who may be trained for nine months, regardless of their educational level.
The law aims to improve the defence readiness of the UAE.
nhanif@thenational.ae