Abu Dhabi: Many Emirati female students were seen applying for UAE national service at the Armed Forces pavilion, one of the biggest at Najah exhibition yesterday in the capital, believing it will change their lifestyles and better serve the country.
Salma Mohammad, a 21-year-old graduate from Zayed University in the capital, told Gulf News: “I would like to do anything to serve my country; therefore, I have signed up for UAE national service and I am willing to work at any department in the UAE Armed Forces. It is the least anyone can do.”
When asked how she sees Najah exhibition this year, she answered: “It is my first time to attend Najah. I believe the fair has focused more on education rather than training and career opportunities.”
Enrolment for UAE national service is optional for women; however, the law states that citizens who complete the mandatory military service will enjoy a range of benefits, including priority for jobs in government institutions and private businesses, marriage grants, housing plots and scholarships, according to the draft law.
Azza Jasem, a trainer at Khawla Bin Al Azwar military school in Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News: “The most significant accomplishment towards gender equality in the UAE, and even in the region, is most visible through women’s participation in the military. Emirati women expressed a great desire for preparation in defending this country this year.”
Azza also pointed out that female applicants join a three-month intensive military training and then they decide which department to work in at the Armed Forces.
“Most applicants who signed up for national service are university graduates. During the military training, a new lifestyle will be experienced; however, applicants will still be able to practise their daily activities and see their families during weekends,” she added.
The eighth edition of Najah, the country’s leading higher education and career exhibition, which opened on Tuesday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), was inaugurated by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.
The three-day fair provides jobs for fresh graduates and school-leavers as well as opportunities for high-school pupils, who wish to pursue their higher education in the UAE or abroad.
Khamis Mohammad Al Shamsi, a 17-year-old pupil at Khalifa Bin Zayed School in Al Ain, told Gulf News: “I am in grade eleven and about to graduate, so I came to get a background on some universities, where I can pursue my bachelor’s degree. I hope to work in Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) as an IT engineer.”
The Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) was also present at the fair to communicate with students who desire to continue their education and need to explore the available academic and scholarship programmes.
“Adec has organised several school visits for grade 12 pupils in order to introduce them to available education opportunities and training programmes, and to give them updates and informed on academic orientation programmes that help set their future academic goals,” Muna Al Mansouri, scholarship and guidance division manager at Adec, said.
Japan recognises the importance of not only building business relationship but also enhancing the cooperation between the two countries in education for a bright future.
Therefore, the Japan pavilion has also introduced around 13 universities of global standard and a language school for those who want to study in Japan.
Additionally, this year’s show has seen increased interest from international institutions, with Enterprise Ireland, Leeds Beckett University and Italy’s Laureate Design Universities, among others, taking part.
