Each month, Weekend will pose a different question to be debated on by a series of female Emirati columnists. This week, we ask Fatima Obaid Ahmed Al Dhaheri:
What are your thoughts on the newly announced military-service law for both men and women?
The new national defence and reserve force law was welcomed by many Emiratis. It sends a strong message to the world that we’re serious about defending our soil and protecting the nation. The new law will require all men who have finished secondary school or are between the ages of 18 and 30 to undergo military training. The training will be optional for women.
Having mandatory military service is a great advantage to our country. It prepares citizens to become stronger, both physically and mentally. They will be able to play an active role in building the nation, and it will solidify national unity within the UAE. Invading us would be a costly option for our enemies, because every man (and many women) will know how to respond to a combat situation. Freedom will become more valuable and meaningful since our men and women will experience lack of freedom when they are put into the service and boot camp.
In our country, we’re blessed with peace and wealth and that has affected the new generation’s upbringing. Problems like obesity, laziness and dependency on others became very typical of our children. If we all served in the military, these rates would drop, because people would be required to be physically fit for duty. Military service will transform our society for the better.
Women also should be prepared to be active service models. Although the law is optional for women, it will be a great benefit for them. It’s honourable and should be viewed as a rewarding tribute to a country that has given us everything that we could need and is a safe haven for us and for our children.
Cultural and religious beliefs could limit women’s involvement in the military service. Many families will welcome sending off men to the service, but when it comes to women, it becomes challenging. I believe that we could overcome the limitations if this preparation is offered for women through required courses in school or through college. Because women are the ones that play an active role in raising the children, it makes an even a stronger case.
Sheikh Zayed, the founding president of the UAE, always helped the people inside and outside his country, and his sons are moving in the same path that their father set out for them. We learnt from him how to guard our precious land and resources with love. Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE, following in the footsteps of his late father, came to the decision to enforce the compulsory military service. This wise decision will help reinforce the sense of pride and national identity among our young men and women and also their families, bringing everyone together.
Fatima Obaid Ahmed Al Dhaheri is a UAE University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science, and is currently an executive secretary at the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan Charitable & Humanitarian Foundation.
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