New UAE criminal code among 40 legal changes in reform push
Emirati women look at a tourist in Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence on August 17, 2021. (Photo by Karim SAHIB / AFP)
DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates on Saturday said a new criminal code would come into force in January as part of what it called the most sweeping legal reform in the Gulf state’s history.
State news agency WAM reported the government is changing 40 laws this year. It did not make clear, however, which of the changes – which concern commercial companies, online security, trade, copyright, residency, narcotics, and social issues – were new and which had been previously reported.
ADVERTISEMENT
One change that appears new is the ratification of a Federal Crime and Punishment Law, effective from Jan. 2, 2022, designed to better protect women, domestic staff, and public safety.
The UAE wants to reform its legal system to keep a competitive edge as conservative Gulf neighbor Saudi Arabia opens itself up to foreign investment and talent.
New South Africa COVID variant now called Omicron, a ‘variant of concern’
Fully-vaxxed foreigners from ‘green’ countries can enter PH starting Dec 1
New COVID variant Omicron triggers global alarm, market sell-off
Major changes so far included decriminalizing premarital sexual relations and alcohol consumption, and canceling provisions for leniency when dealing with so-called “honor killings” in November 2020.
Saturday’s statement adds clarity that had been previously lacking to the status of pre-marital sexual relations and children born from them – stating that parents need not be married.
“Any couple conceiving a child out of wedlock will be required to marry or singly or jointly acknowledge the child and provide identification papers and travel documents in accordance with the laws of the country of which either is a national,” the statement said.
A criminal case with two years imprisonment would be brought should parents not acknowledge and care for the child.
Other recent changes by the UAE include introducing longer-term visas as a way to attract and retain talent and encourage more businesses to set up shop.
The emirate of Abu Dhabi this month introduced its own reform – a novel secular family law aimed at making itself more attractive to expatriates.
/MUF
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Read Next
Fair Sunday weather in most parts of PH — Pagasa
EDITORS’ PICK
MOST READ
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information.
View comments