UAE issues compulsory military service law

The United Arab Emirates has made military service compulsory for adult males between 18 and 30.

The state WAM news agency said on Saturday President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued the decree.

“The issuing of the law comes with the goals of affirming the instilling of the values of loyalty, affiliation and sacrifice in the souls of the sons of homeland,” the state news agency added

Sources say military service will include training periods, military exercises and lectures on patriotism and security.

This is said to be aimed at boosting the number of Emirati nationals in the armed forces.

UAE’s armed forces heavily rely on foreigners who live in the country.

Strategic sources estimate the size of the UAE’s armed forces at 51,000, with an army of 44,000, navy of 2,500 and air force of 4,500.

Issuing the new law could suggest that the country is worried about experiencing the same wave of anti-government protests in the Arab world, which has already occurred in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.