Dubai: The UAE Cabinet has approved compulsory military service for all UAE National men aged between 18 and 30.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made the announcement on Twitter on Sunday.

The service will be optional for women.

“The National Service will be mandatory for all male UAE nationals, above 18 yrs, or high school grads; it will be voluntary for females,” Shaikh Mohammad wrote on Twitter.

“The Service will cover military training at the armed forces, 9 months for high school grads & 2 yrs for those with less than high school.”

Shaikh Mohammad added: “Our message to the world is a message of peace; the stronger we are, the stronger our message.”