Some categories exempted from military service

The committee responsible for the development of the policy has set certain requirements and categories for the citizen who would or would not be called for the conscription.

Orphans, physically unfit and those having family commitments will be exempted from the compulsory military service that will come into force from September onwards.

Major-General Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National and Reserve Service Authority responsible for implementing the UAE military conscription, told Khaleej Times that the authority has drawn up a policy that categorises those who are exempted from the compulsory military service.

Brigadier-General Mohammed Sohail Al Niyadi, Director of Strategic Planning at the National and Reserve Service Authority; Major- General Shaikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan; and Brigadier-General Salim Juma Al Kaabi, Director of Military Justice, address a Press conference on the national service project in Abu Dhabi on Monday. — KT photo by Nezar Balout

“These include orphans, the physically unfit, those having commitments such as looking after their aged parents, a lone bread earner, and also if he is the only son. The service is optional for women, who may be trained for nine months, regardless of their education. If a woman or a girl wants to join the military, then that would be her choice,” he said.

He also told Khaleej Times that the committee responsible for the development of the policy has set certain requirements and categories for the citizen who would or would not be called for the conscription.

“It is a well-planned and thoroughly studied policy and will help serve the nation. Surveys show an overwhelming response from the UAE citizens,” said Al Nahyan

The conscription law will come into force from September. With the implementation of the law, the UAE will be the first country in the GCC to make military service for the citizen mandatory.

The training of the first batch of recruits will start in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah from September.

The military service is compulsory for Emiratis aged between 18 and 30 or those who have completed their secondary education and secured up to 90 per cent mark are required to go for the service for at least nine months, while those who have not will have to serve for two years. Women will have a nine-month service. It is compulsory for all males aged between 18 and 30 either during or after their studies.

“Salaries, allowances, promotions, and other benefits will be given to those enrolled for the service. There will be no financial burden on those serving the armed forces during the mandatory period. They will also have an opportunity to continue their services with the armed forces after their compulsory training or opt for another job,” said Al Nahyan.

He further added the law will be implemented jointly by the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, the State Security Authority and other military institutions specified by the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Referring to those already having jobs, the official said employers in both private and public sectors, will be notified to allow their Emirati workers to complete the compulsory military services. The employers will have to keep their jobs or provide them other openings once they come back after completing the service.

nissar@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE