UAE enacts 40 legislative reforms; includes women safety, new criminal code

UAE’s President Sheikh Khalifa has formally approved one of most extensive legal reforms in country’s history revising over 40 laws involving women’s safety, personal data protection, copyright rules, and means to combat disinformation. While some of laws of country’s legal system were amended, many new ones were introduced and some ors were updated in order to strengn UAE’s ecomy, boost investment and commercial opportunities, maximise social stability, security and ensure rights of institutions and UAE citizens, Emirates News ncy reported Saturday. 

In a landmark move, UAE decriminalised consensual relationships outside of marris adhering to needs of changing times. Additionally, children conceived to n-married couple will w be recognised and cared for in UAE, as per new reforms. government will w provide identification papers and travel documents to children but couple will have to eir marry or singly or jointly ackwledge child, reports confirmed. se laws will come into effect on January 2, 2022. 

Laws around extramarital relationships relaxed, ‘public disorder’ w risks criminal penalties

In ar groundbreaking reform, UAE eased laws around extramarital relationships, removing state’s interference, as well as strengning protection for women under Federal Crime and Punishment Law, ensuring ir public safety and security. Major changes were also introduced to conviction of rapists, and a new reformed law stipulates life imprisonment for rapists that are mirs, under legal of 18 or disabled. sentences can w be extended to capital punishment. Laws have w been formed related to data privacy, spreading disinformation and fake news, as well as electronic fraud and protecting personal data laws were established.  

Investors and entrepreneurs can w invest in onshore firms. Those responsible for ‘public disorder’ in UAE w risk criminal penalties. Jail term has been proposed under new laws for those involved in sale, provision or incitement or inducement to consume alcohol to any person below 21 years of . Consumption of alcohol in a public place was also banned. Anyone who commits, or participates in, a premeditated murder on a UAE citizen will w be convicted by country under separate provisions. Those involved in assaults will w be penalised with Dh10,000 and five to 20 years of imprisonment. For mirs, 10 years of imprisonment will be applied. Meanwhile, any consensual extramarital sex will result in a prison term of at least six months. 

With respect to social media, and internet, any crime committed online that amounts to bullying, online harassment, and dissemination of unauntic information will w lead to a criminal offence. Laws were strengned to deter electronic fraud and maintain privacy and rights of UAE citizens. Propelling fake advertising or product promotions that lead to monetary cheating or deceit including unlicensed trade of cryptocurrencies will w be punishable under laws. UAE courts have been given sole authority to confiscate devices, software, or any information that came in handy in pursuit of online crime.