Following the decision to introduce mandatory military service for all Emiratis aged between 18 and 30 and to set up a new national defense and reserve force, the Ministry of Interior organized a workshop on the subject at the Naturalization, Residency and Ports Affairs’ Headquarters. The workshop was attended by Brigadier Ghareeb Mohammed Al Hosani, Director General of Ports and Airports; Brigadier Saeed Rakan Al Rashedi, Head of Naturalization Department; directors general of Naturalization and Foreigners Affairs, heads of departments and a number of officers from the Naturalization, Residency and Ports Affairs Sector.
Colonel Waleed Al Shamsi, Director of Police Schools Department at the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, Member of the Ministerial Committee to implement the National Service Law gave an overview of the law during the workshop. Colonel Al Shamsi defined the law’s objectives and tackled the national military service, conditions and period of service. He also talked about the reserve service period, its terms, conditions and penalties imposed on individuals who try to evade the compulsory military service without valid reason.
“This workshop is held in response to the directives of Major General Mohammed Khalfan Matar Al Rumaithi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police. It aims to reinforce capabilities and efficiency of young Emiratis who enlist for military service and to mould them into responsible citizens. It will also help to reinforcing patriotism and cultivate a spirit of confidence, self-esteem and discipline,” emphasized Colonel Al Shamsi.
In conclusion, Colonel Al Shamsi noted that the Ministry of Interior will be implementing the second phase of the project, which includes organizing special training courses for individuals enlisted for military service with a view to train and qualify them to achieve the security objectives and to promote security awareness among the national service and reserve conscripts.