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Mandatory military service for youths in Qatar

Qatar introduced compulsory military service and stricter behavioural and dress codes for all male pupils on Tuesday, authorities have announced.

  • By Barbara Bibbo', Correspondent
  • Published: 23:27 March 4, 2008
  • Gulf News

Doha: Qatar introduced compulsory military service and stricter behavioural and dress codes for all male pupils on Tuesday, authorities have announced.

Shaikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Heir Apparent and Chair of the Supreme Education Council issued decision No. 1/2008 on the Policy of Discipline and Moral Behaviour at schools in January, but the Supreme Council for Education made it public only yesterday in its website.

According to the Council, the new provisions are meant to enhance moral values and good conduct among youth and instill principles of solidarity and responsibility.

Spirit of citizenship

All governmental schools and so called 'independent schools' under the umbrella of the council will have to implement the decision. Private schools are exempted, but "they are requested to review their dress codes in accordance with Qatari society values," the decision stated.

"In the context of strengthening the spirit of citizenship and instilling values of belonging and disciplinary behaviour in pupils, the following regulations have been imposed: a ban on long hair and mobile phones, guidance and counselling departments in all boys' schools, one-month compulsory military service for all pupils, traditional (thobe) dress code for male pupils at all academic levels."

Secondary and preparatory schools for boys will have to introduce a Guidance and Counselling Supervisor, preferably a retired military personnel that would help pupils "achieve compatible psychological, educational and social status and will oversee the implementation of the regulations."

Military service is compulsory for secondary schools pupils with the exception of boys with special needs. It includes "religious, physical and social aspects" and will last for one month during the summer vacation.

No pupil will be granted his secondary school certificate without proof that he has completed his military service.

Community service

In addition, all pupils, male and female, are required to complete 25 hours of community service. "The school will organise camps for provision of humanitarian aid to poor countries to help pupils build a strong sense of others and create the spirit of cooperation and self-reliance."

With regard to the dress code, the introduction of the national dress code for pupils at all academic levels will begin from the next school year.

"All male pupils, Qatari and non-Qatari, must wear the traditional Qatari outfit at all academic levels." Contacted by Gulf News, some school directors and parents said they were not yet aware of the new regulations.

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