THE PURCHASE OF ALCOHOL DRINKS AND EXTRAMARITAL RELATIONSHIP WILL BE LEGALIZED IN UAE

The authorities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced changes in a number of civil and criminal provisions of Islamic law. In particular, it is planned to legalize the sale of alcohol, as well as the intake and storage of alcoholic beverages on the territory of the state.

The change will be applied to citizens over 21 years old. At the moment, the sale of alcohol in the country is limited by the issuance of the special licenses. Along with this, the authorities intend to amend family law.

It is planned to officially legalize extramarital relationship for foreign couples.

It is worth noting that even now the authorities of UAE do not prosecute unmarried foreigners who live in the country without stamps in their passports, however, the risk of their being subject to an appropriate liability measure still remains. Another part of changes will affect murders and suicides.

The abolition of criminal prosecution for an attempt of suicide, as well as equating the actions within the framework of "honor killing" to murder or an attempt of murder were announced.

Such a custom provides an opportunity for reprisals against relatives (most often women) in a situation when the latter have defamed the "honor of the family." Now such actions can become a criminal offense.

The changes are associated with the normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel with the direct participation of the United States, as well as with the upcoming holding of the World Exhibition in Dubai, scheduled for the next year.

So far, the authorities have not published any specific decrees, but it has been announced that the amendments will enter into force immediately.