UAE issues landmark reforms to civil, criminal law

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.

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.