11 big changes to UAE laws by Sheikh Khalifa before he died
June 20, 2024
By Expat Media
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Big changes to UAE laws by Sheikh Khalifa before he died
DUBAI – The late UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved sweeping changes to the country’s personal and civil laws months before his death on May 13.
The amendments to the laws were announced in November 2021 and are seen as one of the biggest overhauls of the UAE legal system. The changes are already in place effective January 2, 2022.
Here’s a look at the major changes to UAE laws:
Consensual sex now legal in UAE
Consensual sex between adults, as long as they are not committing adultery, is no longer considered a criminal offence in the UAE.
However, consensual sex will be treated as a crime if the victim is under 14 years of age, or is mentally challenged, or if the culprit is a first degree relative or a guardian of the minor victimhttps://www.expatmedia.net/consensual-sex-living-outside-marriage-becomes-legal-uae/2020/11/">Read more
UAE legalizes cohabitation for unmarried couples
On living together outside of marriage, the UAE has legalized the cohabitation of unmarried coupleshttps://www.expatmedia.net/consensual-sex-living-outside-marriage-becomes-legal-uae/2020/11/">Read more
UAE gets tougher on cheating couples
Individuals above the age of 18 who have sex with people other than their legal partner will face a criminal case, provided that their husband, wife or guardian files an official complainthttps://www.expatmedia.net/new-uae-rule-punishes-cheating-couples-updated-law-starting-january-2/2021/11/">Read more
Alcohol consumption without license no longer a crime
The amended UAE law says “anyone who drinks, is in possession of alcohol or sells alcoholic beverages in authorised areas without an alcohol licence will no longer face penalties”. Previously, individuals face prosecution for consuming alcohol without a license.
Now, alcohol can be consumed privately or in licensed public placeshttps://www.expatmedia.net/uae-alcohol-consumption-without-license-no-longer-crime/2020/11/">Read more
UAE ends mandatory deportation for expats in drug cases
Expats convicted for drug use or drug possession in UAE will no longer be sentenced to deportation. The punishment will focus on their rehabilitation.
First-time offenders can get minimum sentences of three months in jail, but serial offenders will get tougher punishmentshttps://www.expatmedia.net/new-uae-law-ends-mandatory-deportation-expats-drug-cases/2021/12/">Read more
UAE decriminalises suicide, attempted suicide
Under the new law, anyone who attempts suicide will no longer be prosecuted in court.
Police and the courts would ensure that suicide victims would instead receive mental health supporthttps://www.expatmedia.net/uae-decriminalizes-suicide-attempted-suicide/2020/11/">Read more
UAE changes laws to protect Good Samaritans
The law ensures that Good Samaritans cannot be held liable for the outcome of those they help, particularly in emergency situations. The amended law states that “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,” according to the amended UAE lawhttps://www.expatmedia.net/uae-changes-laws-protect-good-samaritans/2020/11/">Read more
UAE divorce law favors expats
Divorce laws in the UAE now allow laws of a person’s country of origin to apply in cases involving expatriates.
On divorce, separation and division of assets, the laws of a person’s country of origin can now be used instead of the Islamic law or shariahttps://www.expatmedia.net/uae-changes-divorce-laws-help-expat-cases/2020/11/">Read more
UAE changes laws on wills, inheritance to favor expats
The UAE law now allows expatriates to have their personal affairs dealt with according to the law of their home country instead of under Islamic law or sharia.
The laws of the person’s country of citizenshp will dictate how their assets are divided among their next of kin, unless they have a written willhttps://www.expatmedia.net/uae-changes-laws-wills-inheritance-expats/2020/11/">Read more
UAE to execute rapists, gets tougher on harassment and honor crimes
Anyone who rapes a minor or someone who is mentally challenged will be given the death penalty and executed. Perpetrators of “honour crimes” will no longer be given a lighter sentence.
Harassment, particularly of women, will also be dealt with tougher punishments for perpetratorshttps://www.expatmedia.net/uae-execute-rapists-gets-tougher-harassment-honour-crimes/2020/11/">Read more
Ban on fake university degrees and certificates
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a federal law banning the use of fake university degrees and certificates, with violators to face a fine of up to Dh30,000 and jail time of up to three months for submitting a fake certificate.
“The penalty shall be doubled in the event that the person gets a job or any material or moral benefit based on that certificate,” according to the new law. The penalty increases with jail time of up to one year, and a fine of up to Dh500,000 if the violator knowingly submits a fake scientific certificate or academic certificate to get a job. Employers and officials who accept fake degrees or those who issue or advertise fake degrees will also be fined up to Dh1 million and jailed for up to two years. ICA/PIA/Expat Media
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