The term "national service" refers to the mandatory military or civil service that is required of citizens of some nations, such as the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Female citizens are not required to serve in the UAE's military, but male citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 are required to complete nine months of training. Men between the ages of 18 and 30 in Saudi Arabia are required to serve in the military for a year. Completing one's national service obligation is frequently regarded as a prerequisite for several positions in the public and private sectors. National service is an essential component of national identity and loyalty.