United Arab Emirates has made it compulsory for the
Emirati men to serve in military. The law to this effect was issued and
notified in the Gazette under the orders of the country’s president Sheikh
Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan yesterday.
The law applies to all males between the ages of 18
and 30 and in good medical health. Men who have a high school degree or its
equivalent will serve nine months, while those who do not have a high school
diploma will serve for two years.
Participation for women, who can only serve for nine
months, is optional and will require the approval of their legal guardians.
Military service will include training periods, military exercises and lectures
on patriotism and security. The UAE had first said in January that it would
introduce the law.
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