São Paulo – The United Arab Emirates has announced changes to laws in a bid to appeal to foreign residents, tourists and investors. Last Saturday (7), president Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved decrees improving women’s protection by abolishing lenient sentences on so-called honor crimes, loosening restrictions on alcohol consumption, easing the rule of Islamic law on non-nationals regarding inheritance, divorce and cohabitation, and enabling greater individual freedom. All decrees have already been made effective.
The reform is designed to bring about economic and social progress, and to “entrench the principles of tolerance in the society,” state-run news agency WAM reported, adding that the changes are intended to protect the financial interests of foreign investors, personal freedoms, and social safety.
The penal code and criminal procedural code have been amended, and a former article allowing leniency towards so-called “honor crimes” has been repealed, according to WAM. That means that male violence towards female family members under claims of “protecting one’s honor” will be dealt with just like any other crime.
Couples married in a foreign country and getting a divorce in the UAE will be subjected to the laws of the country they married in when it comes to division of assets, The National reported. Failure to reach an agreement will result in court moderation.
The new laws also cover inheritances, which were formerly governed by Sharia – Islamic law. The assets of a foreign deceased person will observe the laws of their country of origin, except where the deceased individual has executed a will. Exception is made to properties acquired in the UAE.
Alcohol consumption is no longer a crime in the UAE. Licenses are no longer required to drink, possess or sell alcohol in authorized areas. The minimum age stands at 21 and selling to minors is still a crime. Alcohol can only be consumed privately or in licensed public areas. Formerly, a government license was required to purchase, carry, or keep alcohol at home.
The latter ruling applies to all emirates; Abu Dhabi had waived license requirements for residents and tourists last September.
The latest amendments have decriminalized cohabitation of unmarried couples – as per former law, even unrelated individuals of opposite sexes were not allowed to live together.
Tougher punishment will be enforced on harassment, and although the exact nature and scope of that hasn’t been defined, this is presumed to include stalking.
Non-Arabic-speaking defendants will be entitled to a court interpreter. Evidence relating to indecent acts cannot be publicly revealed.
Suicide and suicide attempts have been decriminalized. In the past, anyone surviving a suicide attempt was liable to prosecution. Going forward, police and the courts will provide mental health support to vulnerable people. however, those found assisting someone with committing suicide will still be prosecuted and sentenced to prison.
Yet another law removes liability for those coming in the aid of someone. Therefore, “any person who’s committing an act out of good intention, that may end up hurting that person, will not be punished. If you want to give help or assistance in an emergency and that person gets harmed [as a result] you will not be punished,” the law reportedly states.
*With information from Gulf Business.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
