UAE National Service Recruit Dies Of Heart Attack

An Emirati service recruit died after he suffered a sudden heart attack at the Armed Forces Residences last night, official news agency WAM reported, citing the UAE General Command of the Armed Forces.

A statement said that Mohammed Khalid Khalifa Al Raisi was rushed to hospital by air ambulance after suffering a cardiac arrest. But he died on the way to hospital shortly before midnight on Saturday.

Representatives from the Armed Forces expressed their sincere condolences and sympathy over the death, the WAM report added.

The UAE’s President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan issued a law in June this year implementing compulsory military service for Emirati men.

Under the law, all males aged between 18 and 30 and in good medical health have to join the military. Those who have a high school degree or its equivalent will serve nine months, while those who do not have a high school diploma will serve for two years.

Military service will include training periods, military exercises and lectures on patriotism and security.

“The issuing of the law comes with the goals of affirming the instilling of the values of loyalty, affiliation and sacrifice in the souls of the sons of homeland,” WAM said.