UAE Announces Relaxation of Islamic Law

The United Arab Emirates announced several significant changes to its Islamic personal laws on November 7. The revised laws permit cohabitation of unmarried couples, relax alcohol restrictions, and criminalize honor killings. These changes—which likely reflect the country’s Westernization, specifically in its business and tourism sectors—will take effect immediately and have received support for their progress toward tolerance.

This decision is expected to have a large economic impact on the country as well. Several businesses and wealthy people have previously faced backlash and lawsuits in their home countries due to the Islamic legal code, and the changes aim to eliminate these obstacles in hopes of bringing economic prosperity to the country. Expatriates outnumber UAE citizens by nearly nine to one.

One of the major changes the UAE has made is to allow those above the age of 21 to purchase, sell, and consume alcoholic beverages. This revision erases the rule that required individuals to have a liquor license to possess or transport alcohol. Although alcohol is available at bars and clubs in major cities such as Dubai, this policy revision broadens access to all in the UAE.

Another revision allows unmarried couples to cohabitate, which was previously a crime. Although many authorities would “look the other way,” especially to foreigners residing in Dubai, this rule has now mitigated the threat of possible punishment. Foreigners are also permitted exemption from Sharia courts relating to issues of marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

One of the most significant changes comes in an effort for women’s rights. The government has agreed to criminalize honor killings, a heavily criticized tribal custom that allows men to avoid prosecution for assaulting or murdering a woman who is considered to have “dishonored her family.” These crimes will now receive the same treatmentas all other murder charges.