UAE Sets Fines and Jail Terms for Military Service Evasion

The United Arab Emirates has established financial penalties and prison terms for citizens who do not fulfill mandatory military service by the age of 29 without a legitimate excuse. According to information released on the UAE government's official platform, penalties apply strictly to UAE citizens, as military service is not required of foreign residents.

Citizens who evade enlistment without an acceptable reason face a jail sentence ranging from one month to one year, a financial fine, or a combination of both. The minimum fine is set at AED 10,000 (approximately N3,663,267), while the maximum penalty can reach AED 50,000 (around N18,316,338).

The government has mandated that a valid reason is necessary for any citizen who does not enlist, although it has not specified what qualifies as an acceptable exemption. Citizens without justification remain subject to prosecution until they reach the age of 29, underscoring the legal obligations associated with military service.