In the video shared by the Abu Dhabi Police, speeding cars are seen crashing into vehicles as traffic builds up unexpectedly
New reforms to civil and criminal laws will further promote tolerance and multiculturalism in the UAE, a chief justice has said.
Chief Justice of the Dubai civil court, Ahmed Ibrahim Saif, told Khaleej Times the reforms will ensure that the law is respected as the country welcomes a “mosaic of nationalities”.
The amendments have been introduced to some of the terms in the Personal Status Law, Civil Procedure Law, Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Law.
Wills, divorce
Chief justice Saif pointed out that now non-Emiratis will have the choice to resort to the laws in their countries for matters of wills and estates and other personal status-related cases. This would make it easier to sort their matters out without having to be legally entangled.
“Regarding the personal status matters, it will now be easier for expats to have the option of choosing the laws of their own countries,” he said.
At the time of an expat’s death, wills and estates can be managed based on the Personal Status Law of his/her country of origin, unless there is a will already in place.
“For divorce cases, they would feel more comfortable that the laws implemented in their countries can be applied here.”
Previously, expats had to go to the Dubai sharia court to apply for divorce and settlement of wills and inheritance. Wills could also be obtained at the DIFC wills service centre.
Now with the amendments, the law of the country — where the couple tied the knot — can be applied if they so wish.
“The UAE seeks to enact laws that are Islamic sharia-compliant, while taking into consideration the needs of the changing pace of life,” the chief justice stressed. “In the UAE, all individuals are treated equally. Expats come from different cultural backgrounds. So having reforms introduced will make life easier for them within the legal foundations.”
Sexual harassment
On the toughened penalties for sexual harassment, the chief justice said that this would serve as a deterrent for offenders. “I am in favour of harsher punishments for such offences. When an individual lacks moral principles and religious values, only the fear of law and the legal consequences of his actions can curb his behaviour. This will protect the community.”
Terms and conditions may apply
The top judge believes that the reforms seen as ‘relaxed’ could have certain conditions. “It is better and more appropriate to wait for the amendments — with their elaborate details — to be announced in due course and published in the Official Gazette.”
mary@khaleejtimes.com
In the video shared by the Abu Dhabi Police, speeding cars are seen crashing into vehicles as traffic builds up unexpectedly
With an impressive portfolio of projects, Al Bateen offers a vast range of high-quality fasteners across industries
Israel's military campaign against Hamas has reduced much of the territory of 2.3 million people to a wasteland with most civilians homeless
The event caters to diverse interests, including medicine and emerging career paths
Organised by Ameeraga Tamil Sangam, the event had participants from across the UAE
The esteemed initiative delivered essential grocery food baskets to around 5,000 deserving families across 14 Bangladeshi districts
Judges for the AI awards not only recognise excellence and innovation, but also assess performance and monitor progress in artificial intelligence computing and responses
A plea moved in court stated that no one is permitted to wear the official state institution outfit