Scores of young Emirati women on Sunday rushed to sign up for voluntary military service at recruitment centres in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, the Western Region and Sharjah.
Registration will continue until Thursday.
Some 7,000 citizens, comprising the first batch of Emirati recruits, will be called up for national service by the beginning of September.
President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved the law introducing mandatory military service for all Emiratis aged between 18 and 30 last month.
Under the law, Emirati men who have finished secondary school will have to undergo military training for nine months, while those who have not will serve two years. The service will be optional for women, who may be trained for nine months after permission from their guardians, regardless of their education.
Staff Major General Pilot Shaikh Ahmad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of National Service, said national service will mould Emirati youth into responsible citizens, reiterating that defending the nation and preserving its independence and sovereignty is a sacred national duty for every citizen.
He said through military discipline, the youth will gain physical strength, endurance, knowledge, and spirit.
Part of the military service will require military training and exercises, as well as lectures on patriotism.
The law states that citizens who complete 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. Citizens who join illegal organisations will be disqualified from the service, the legislation said.
The law states that citizens working in the federal government, local and private sectors who meet the law's provisions will enrol in the national service. For recruits who are appointed in federal departments, local departments, and the private sector, their national service will be counted as service in these departments and sectors.
How to register
Women from secondary school graduating class of 2013/2014 are invited to sign up for national service until July 24.
They have to produce originals and copies of their passports, Emirates ID cards, family books and secondary school certificates.
Recruitment centres are Al Nahyan Camp in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Camp in Al Ain, Liwa Camp in the Western Region and Rahmaniya Camp in Sharjah.
Office times are 7am to 4pm and 9.30pm to 1.30am.
Source: Gulf News