The United Arab Emirates announced sweeping legislation that would overhaul the country’s Islamic personal laws.
The reform would allow unmarried couples to cohabitate, loosen alcohol restrictions, and criminalize so-called “honor killings.”
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News reports from state-run WAM news agency said the reforms aim to boost the country’s economic and social standing and “consolidate the UAE’s principles of tolerance” in a destination that wants to attract and retain expatriates.
Foreigners outnumber citizens in the UAE nearly nine to one. Foreigners make up approximately 8 million of the workforce out of the Emirates’ population of 10 million.
“The decrees aim to solidify the UAE’s adherence to the importance of creating a legal environment that suits cultural diversity,” state news agency WAM wrote. “The state commits to building a competitive and safe social and economic environment.”