United Arab Emirates (UAE) Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum said here on Sunday through Twitter that the Gulf state would introduce compulsory military services for all nationals from age above 18.

All Emirati nationals between the age group from 18 to 30 will have to follow the compulsory military service.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid said "The Service will cover military training in the armed forces, 9 months for high school graduates and two years for those less than high school."

"UAE reserve forces will consist of retired armed forces' soldiers and national service program graduates," added the UAE PM.

"Protecting the nation and preserving its independence and sovereignty is a sacred national duty. The new law will apply to everyone," tweeted Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid. The UAE has 8.8 million inhabitants of which only 20 percent are UAE nationals.

The UAE prime minister, who is also the country's vice president and ruler of Dubai, has ordered his cabinet to draw up a bill for national defense and reserves.