The General Headquarters (GHQ) of the UAE Armed Forces has announced the extension of legal term of the national service - authorized by the Federal Law No. (6) for 2014 pertaining to national and reserve service - from 12 months to 16 months for Emirati male holders of a high secondary school certificate and above, Emirates news agency WAM reported.

Since its implementation, the national service program has achieved positive results and reflected positively on the conduct of the recruits. It is considered one of the UAE’s most effective and important strategic move, in the light of its anticipated strategic outcomes in political, military, security, national, social and economic terms.