UAE Introduces Compulsory Military Service For Men

The UAE has announced compulsory military service for all Emirati men aged between 18 and 30, following a cabinet meeting.

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the details of the plan on Twitter on Sunday.

According to the new law, all Emirati males who have finished secondary school will be required to serve for nine months while those without a high school diploma will serve for two years. Military service will be optional for women.

“The new law adds another layer to the national defense force to further protect our nation, secure its borders and preserve its achievements,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

“Our message to the world is a message of peace; the stronger we are, the stronger our message.”

The reserve force will consist of retired soldiers and national service program graduates, he said.

Recently Qatar announced that it is mulling a law, which would require all Qatari men between the ages of 18 and 35 to serve a compulsory period in the military service. The law is currently a draft but would be implemented once authorities sanction it, AFP news agency reported.

Kuwait too as been looking to reinstate its mandatory military service, after it dismissed the rule in 2001 following a suggestion by the government. According to media reports, the Kuwaiti government has prepared a draft law, which will be submitted to the parliament for approval.

Under the law, local men aged between 20 and 30 would be required to serve between six months and a year in the army. Students, single sons and the members of diplomatic corps will be exempted from national service. Those with physical disabilities will not be required in combat but be expected to serve in administration, local media reported.