OBVERSE
On a highly polished background the obverse features stylised crossed Arabian Jambiyas which are surrounded by the words Arabian Service 1839–1967 and arches representing traditional Arabian architecture.
REVERSE
On a highly polished background the reverse features an Arabian Dhow with its lateen-sail, universally recognisable as a symbol of the Aden colony and the centre piece of the Aden Veterans Association badge, surrounded by the words Arabian Service 1839-1967.
RIBBON
The ribbon has three equal stripes: blue; representing the sea and sky, yellow; representing sand and green; for the Aden Protectorate Levies and the Federal Regular Army. Green is also the colour which appears in most Arabian National flags. The distinctive woven ribbon is fitted to a uniquely designed suspender, which is connected to the medal by the crescent and star. This medal is supplied on a concealed single pin, ready to wear.
This important medal embraces a period of historical importance to the former British Crown Colony. Although may service and civilian personnel performed sterling service in often terrible conditions and were at risk of death or injury during the years of conflict, many did not qualify for the official medals issued.
The medal is a befitting way to pay tribute to the thousands of former civil and military personnel who served in the Arabian territories from 1839 to 1967, when the British withdrew from Aden, thereby ending the British Army’s last colonial counter-insurgency campaign.
The medal is available to all former civil and military personnel who served in the former British Crown Colony, their next of kin or direct descendants. In addition, eligibility is extended to include recipients of the General Service Medal with Arabian Peninsula, South Arabia, Radfan and Dhofar clasps, as an additional commemorative to merit their Arabian service.
The medal is fitted with a uniquely woven ribbon, completed with a concealed individual brooch bar, ready to wear with pride, not alongside campaign medals, gallantry decorations or in uniform by serving members but separately and distinctively.