Dubai: The UAE Cabinet recently approved compulsory military service for men and voluntary service for women between the ages of 18 and 30. A number of Emiratis expressed their views on the new policy which gives them the honour of defending their country.
Yousuf Khalifa, 23, said it’s a “very positive” move for his country, citing a number of reasons. “For one,” he said, “it would instil a culture of civic responsibility.”
Moreover, he believes it will help alleviate youth unemployment. “Unlike what most expatriates think, national unemployment is very high. In 2009, it peaked at 14 per cent, and military service would definitely close that gap.”
Khalifa added that he wishes “for the sake of my country, especially with what’s been happening around the region, that it would not be an indicator that our security as a country is compromised by external forces.”
Twenty-four year old, Mohammad Al Qemzi, said he would like more information about how military conscription will be implemented and affect people like him.
“For example, (since) I am currently studying and working at the same time, do I take time off from work and will my boss understand? I just want to know how it will work.”
He added that he thinks people can serve their country in different ways and not just through the military.
“I think I am serving my country in my own way, by joining the workforce here and I contributing to its growth.”
Saeed Rashid Al Rahbi, a 27-year-old government employee and Ras Al Khaimah resident, said: “I am completely with the decision, which encourages us to protect ourselves and protect our country.”
Al Rahbi added that the military training will give them a deeper “experience, and it will help us give back to our country that has given us so much.”
The military service, Al Rahbi added, will benefit the young generation and teach them discipline and how to be responsible person.
“The military makes men out of youth and it makes you come out with a better personality.”
Abdullah Khalfan Al Naqabi, a 26 year-old government employee, said: “The service will strengthen national identity... It’s a good thing to make young men learn military principles and how to use weapons — in case any emergency occurs.”
Al Naqbi said that he received military training from time to time and knew how to use weapons and how to react during emergencies.
“It will create strong personalities and will tackle all negative aspects in society, which have been appearing recently,” he said.
“Serving your land is of great value and the youth will feel like they are part of a team that will protect the country from any risks and threats.”
Abdullah Al Dar’ai, 28, who is also a government employee and who has served in the military, said: “The announcement made me very happy and even the people in my area — Al Kua’a area in Al Ain — were very excited and we were discussing how this is a good initiative.”
Military service, he believes, is good for young men as it teaches them to be independent, strong and self-reliant.
“The training I received helped me become a better man... I used to be careless but now I feel. I have become more rational and know how to spend my time instead of wasting it at coffee shops and other places.”
He also improvised two lines of poetry expressing his love of country and his readiness to sacrifice himself for it.
