ABU DHABI // The Federal National Council on Wednesday approved the federal draft law on mandatory military service.
During a session held on Tuesday FNC members debated eight of the 44 articles of law, completing the rest during the debate held on Wednesday. It will now go back to the President, Sheikh Khalifa, before the final step - being published in the official gazette - ahead of its enforcement.
Representing the government during the discussions was the Justice Minister Hadif Al Dhaheri and Gen Hamad Al Rumaithi, head of staff of the UAE Armed Forces.
“The draft law has stressed that protecting the United Arab Emirates and preserving its independence and leadership is a sacred national duty for every citizen,” said a report sent by the FNC communications department after the session.
“Joining youth in national service will form their personalities... to enable them to face future challenges.”
Citizens have backed the law, including retired army and police officers, who said that it could not “come soon enough” for young Emiratis.
Applying this law will also help most youth in adopting healthy behaviour through military training.
“Their joining will help in graduating a generation of youth committed to their work and in their behaviour and obedient to their bosses,” said the statement.
hdajani@thenational.ae