The UAE Military Attorney General has ordered the referral of several government employees and national service conscripts to the Military Criminal Court. They are accused of abusing their official authority, obtaining unauthorised exemptions and exceptions, and tampering with documents related to national and reserve service.

According to the UAE judicial authorities, investigations found that the allegations include falsifying official information, documents and medical reports to help certain conscripts circumvent legal national service procedures.

The UAE Military Prosecution said the charges against each defendant were determined according to their role in the case and would be heard by the military judiciary.

The UAE Military Attorney General stressed that national service is a duty to the country, adding that safeguarding the integrity and transparency of its procedures promotes fairness and equality in fulfilling this responsibility and prevents the abuse of regulations.

He also said that anyone proven to have helped circumvent national service regulations or abused their official position to facilitate such actions would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Authorities have not disclosed the exact number of defendants. However, an image released with the official statement showed three people—two men and one woman—with their eyes obscured to conceal their identities.

Conditions for deferring national service in the UAE

According to information published on the UAE Government’s official portal, national service may be deferred under specific circumstances.

Students and trainees under the age of 29 who are enrolled at universities, colleges, educational institutions or training centres in programmes lasting at least two years may be eligible for deferment.

Students who achieve an average grade of at least 90 per cent on their secondary school certificate are also eligible for deferment.

Those who have turned 18 but have not yet completed secondary school may also defer their service if they continue attending full-time daytime classes.

In addition, those who do not meet the requirements for military service may complete an equivalent period in administrative, civilian or technical roles suited to their abilities.

Who is exempt from national service?

Under regulations published on the UAE Government’s official portal, an only son and citizens deemed medically unfit for military service may qualify for permanent exemption.

Those responsible for financially supporting parents or siblings with special needs may also qualify for temporary exemption.

People serving prison sentences may also be granted temporary exemption.

Once the grounds for temporary exemption no longer apply, they must report to the relevant authorities to determine their status and complete national service.

Benefits of national service for UAE citizens

UAE citizens who complete compulsory national service receive a range of benefits.

These include priority for employment in government entities and private companies, marriage grants, residential land allocations and educational scholarships.

For employed citizens called up for national service, the service period is also counted when calculating end-of-service benefits and pension entitlements.

Under UAE Government regulations, federal and local government entities, as well as private-sector companies, must allow Emirati employees to return to their previous jobs or similar positions after completing their service.

Employers may temporarily appoint replacements while these employees are serving, but must uphold their legal right to return to work.