UAE’s historic move

Hats off to the leadership of the UAE for the historic laws those aimed at improving living standards and open the market to investors and people living in the UAE  (“UAE revamps personal and family laws in historic move,” Nov.8, Gulf Today).  

It will allow the UAE Attorney General to identify cases involving misdemeanours and infractions.

The amendments would make way for disputed cases of non-Emiratis to be dealt with according to the laws of their native land.

The most important part of this story is a couple who were married in their country and living in the UAE, have the right to apply the laws of their native country if they seek divorce.

The good thing is that these laws will come into effect immediately.

The Federal Law-Decrees mean to further enhance the UAE legislative environment, entrench the principles of tolerance in the society and strengthen the country’s position as a preferred hub that attracts people to reside and work.

The UAE has also scrapped reduced sentences for so-called “honour” killings. The act would be considered a crime, and treated similar to any other assault case in a court of law.

The UAE has over 200 nationalities living in the country. The expatriates will definitely appreciate the amendments that cover divorce and separation, alcohol consumption, suicide, protection for women, and raise the penalties for rape and sexual harassment.

This significant amendment was the change in personal law as the amendments to the Personal Status and the Civil Transactions laws allow non-citizens to choose the law that governs issues such as inheritance.

The amendments would make way for disputed cases of non-Emiratis to be dealt with according to the laws of their native land.

Jamaluddin Akbar
By Email