KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait 

Kuwait on Tuesday allowed women to serve in the army for the first time in the Gulf state’s history, according to the state news agency KUNA.

Defense Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah said the door is now open for Kuwaiti women to register for the military service as specialty officers and non-commissioned officers.

According to KUNA, women’s registration in the military service will be limited to the field of medical and supportive military services.

The defense minister said the decision to allow women’s registration in the military service comes out of the army’s responsibility in protecting the country and preserving its security and stability.

Kuwait is the latest Gulf state to allow women to serve in the army. Saudi Arabia allowed women’s conscription earlier this year, while Qatar allowed women to join the military service in 2018.

* Writing by Bassel Barakat