Mohammad Bin Zayed attends daughter's graduation ceremony

Abu Dhabi : His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces attended yesterday a graduation ceremony for the first military training course for female students, including his daughter, his grand daughter and a number of Shaikhas.

Following the official ceremony and the graduates' military parade, Colonel Afra Al Falasi, Commander of Khawla bint Al Azwar Military School, delivered a speech in which she lauded the trainees determination and perseverance.

"Despite their young age, the daughters of the UAE abandoned their comfort and opted to have the honour of training in military skills. They exhibited patience, determination and perseverance," she said.

Addressing the graduates, she went on; "You are the daughters of Zayed, the daughters of Khalifa and the soldiers of Mohammed. You have the right to be proud today of what you have learned."

Brigadier Shaikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan honoured the graduates and distributed certificates to them.

Major Khawla Nasser, Director of Khawla bint Al Azwar School, said the the three-week course cobered basic military skills, including infantry, shooting and firearms handling.

The course instructor Salha Musa said the trainees mastered many skills, including shooting, using Caracal pistols and M16 rifles.

Shaikha Hasa bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose is 15 years old, said she was proud of the experience which enabled her to re-discover her potentials and energy in challenging situations.

Shaikha Hasa bint Mohammed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, 13, said she realised that the military life is totally different from the civilian life and that she learnt how to adapt to different situations.

Shaikha Hamda bint Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, 12, said she found military life to be well-organised and driven by achievement and learnt news skills.

Other trainees also expressed pleasure at acquiring many skills, discipline and self-reliance.

The ceremony was attended by Shaikha Salama bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed among other family members, dignitaries and officials.