Military service for Emiratis mandatory

The UAE will introduce compulsory military service for young Emirati men, it said on Sunday.
The WAM news agency said the Cabinet had endorsed a draft law that requires all men above 18 or those who have finished high school and are under 30, to complete military training.
The length of service will be two years for those who have not completed high school, and nine months for those who have completed high school. It is optional for women.
It was not immediately clear when the system would be implemented.
The UAE has a territorial dispute with Iran, over three Gulf islands occupied by Tehran. It is also wary of a neighborhood fraught with conflicts — Syria, Iraq and Israel and the Palestinian territories.
“Protecting the nation and preserving its independence and sovereignty is a sacred national duty and the new law will be implemented on all,” UAE Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said on his Twitter account. “Our gains are a red line that must be protected.”
Sheikh Mohammed hailed the directives of President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on protection of the country, its independence and its sovereignty.
A number of Emiratis contacted by Arab News welcomed the decision. “It is a good move and the need of the hour,” said Ahmed A.R, a top government employee based in Sharjah.
Emiratis aged 18 to 30 working in local, or federal public institutions, and in the private sector, will join the service in accordance with the provisions of the draft national service law. Those recruited will have their service duration counted at their places of work for the purpose of end of service dues, pension and other benefits.