Emiratis' military service term extended to one year

The UAE announced that Emiratis must complete at least 12 months military service, as the country's intervention in Yemen continues.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

08 March, 2016

The UAE is part of a 10-nation coalition combating Houthi rebels in Yemen [Getty]

The UAE has extended its compulsory military service for Emiratis to one year, Abu Dhabi announced on Monday.

The UAE National and Reserve Service Authority, which deals with recruitment, said the nine month term will be extended by three months for both men and women between the ages of 18 and 30 completing high school.

Emiratis without high school qualifications must serve two years, while Emirati women can opt out with the consent of their parents.

The Gulf state introduced conscription - compulsory military service - in the summer of 2014.

Abu Dhabi said it hoped the new law would "instil values of loyalty and sacrifice in the hearts of citizens".

Shortly after the new law was announced, UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum said military service was a patriotic duty.

"Protecting the nation and preserving its independence and sovereignty is a sacred national duty and the new law will be implemented on all," he wrote on Twitter.

"Our gains are a red line that must be protected."

The 2014 conscription law followed a similar move by Qatar just months earlier.

In February 2014, Qatari legislation required male citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 to join the state's armed forces.

College graduates are expected to train for three months while those with high school diplomas must complete four months service.

Both states are part of a Saudi-led coalition currently combating Houthi rebels and their allies in Yemen.

Bombing began in March 2015 after the rebels seized control of the capital and other parts of the country.

The war has entered its twelfth month, and left over 6,000 Yemenis dead.