iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
The three US-headquartered technology giants recently announced that they were laying off around 25,000 employees in order to cut costs
KT APPDOWNLOAD
UAE issues landmark reforms to civil, criminal law
Alamy Image
Dubai - This follows a decree by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The UAE has announced landmark reforms that cover inheritance, women's safety, suicide, Good Samaritans and alcohol consumption.
These changes to the personal and civil code will make it easier for expats to resolve disputes and promote multiculturalism.
This follows a decree by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the amendments come into effect immediately.
The amendments have been introduced to some of the terms in the Personal Status Law, the Civil Procedure Law, the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Law.
On expats' wills and inheritance
With these changes, non-Emiratis may now use the laws of their home countries in dealing with affairs like inheritance. 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 nationality. However, if a will is already in place, then it shall be followed and respected.
On suicide
Suicide attempts and self-harm are usually punishable by law. Now, under the changes, people found to have harmed themselves shall be referred for mental health treatment.
On Good Samaritans
People, who tried to help others but have instead inflicted unintended harm, won't be held accountable under the new modifications.
On honour killings
For the honour killings, leniency has been abolished and cases will now be entirely subject to the penal code.
On alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption is no longer a crime, as per the changes. Previously, a person found in possession of alcohol may be charged if he was caught in another criminal incident.
As per the law, one has to be at least 21 years old to be able to drink legally. Alcohol can be consumed only in private or in public at licensed businesses.
On cohabitation for unmarried couples
For the first time, cohabitation for unmarried couples has been allowed under the new law. Unmarried couples sharing the same accommodation used to be prohibited. The same used to apply to unrelated flatmates.
mary@khaleejtimes.com
More news from UAE
With its offer of 40-45 hours of work per week and its attractive salaries, the US firm is considered one of the top employers globally
The police commended the establishment’s generous contribution that reflects the true meaning of social solidarity
Route 1 will include dedicated roads for vehicles, and special paths for desert bicycles and electric scooters to connect tourist attractions
Officers also urged motorists to always drive safely on the roads for their safety and the safety of other road users
He arrived at the winter fair of Dubai Centre for Special Needs to meet his greatest fan
In the first of a five-part series that explores what defines the UAE, Khaleej Times looks at one of the hallmarks of Emirati culture: its food
Adventurers tackle varying levels of challenging terrain, covering a stretch of more than 100km in Ras Al Khaimah