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Some 2,000 men have begun training with the country's Armed Forces today. Many have tweeted upbeat messages about serving, despite their simple meals and not being able to take any leave for the next six weeks.

The new legislation mandates strict penalties for those who try to avoid training with the armed forces, including up to one year in jail and a QR20,000 fine.

Starting next year, it looks likely that Qatari women will also be required to enlist in the military for a set period of time, though their roles would be different, officials said in a press conference on Wednesday.