His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has expressed his pride in the nation’s youth in a text message sent to all national and reserve service recruits, and those who had completed the training.

He lauded the national spirit, responsibility, commitment, seriousness and dedication exhibited by the citizens in the fields of training.

"My sons and daughters, the recruits and graduates of the national and reserve service, the pride of the UAE, your dedication to service of homeland is the source of our pride. The UAE leadership and loyal citizens see in you hope and future," Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said in the text message.

The message expressed the deep faith and trust of Sheikh Mohamed in the citizens, given their pivotal role in building the country and safeguarding its future.

The text message came on the graduation of the new batch of national and reserve service recruits, which also coincided with the launch of Emirates Youth Council’s "# pride" initiative that aims to make pride in sacrifice and giving to the nation an identity for young Emiratis. The initiative also urges the community to participate proudly in lauding the national service recruits through various social communication and media platforms, and interact with the tag # pride.

"The precious words contained in the message sent by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed had a significant impact in raising the morale among national service and reserve recruits," said Staff Major General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National and Reserve Service.

He noted that the recruits received the text message with great joy and pleasure.

Sheikh Ahmed added that this generous gesture depicts great national themes. "The message comes from a loving father to his loyal sons. It is a sincere expression and appreciation of the wise leadership for all the efforts of recruits in service of the homeland. The inspiring words of Sheikh Mohamed are powerful incentive for all young citizens to continue the national process to defend their homeland."

Shamma bint Sohail Faris AlMazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, commended the noble gesture of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for the national service recruits. His words, filled with pride, were inspirational as they motivate and encourage the young people to perform their roles in the development process and safeguard the national gains and achievements, he added.

AlMazrui said that the initiative # pride embodies the keenness of the Emirates Youth Council to launch constructive national initiatives that contribute to consolidating the spirit of belonging and loyalty in the hearts of the youth, so that they continue to develop their scientific knowledge and practical skills to become leaders and policymakers of tomorrow.