This Country Overhauled Laws to Make Foreigners Feel Even More Welcome

The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to make substantial changes to their laws, especially for the higher protection of women.

From now on, honor crimes, where a male relative can get a lighter sentence for assaulting a female relative under the guise of “protecting honor”, will be treated like any other assault. Also, men will face harsher punishment for harassing women, whether it’s street harassment or stalking.

The UAE’s biggest cities are Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The initiative reduces the influence of the Islamic Sharia laws in the country and aims to make it even more attractive for tourists and foreign workers. It includes changes in family and inheritance law. The consumption of alcohol is no longer a criminal offense. Anyone who drinks or is in possession of alcohol or sells alcoholic beverages in authorized areas without an alcohol license will not face penalties. Already 90% of the population of the country are not Emiratis.