People of close to 200 nationalities live and work in the UAE. Jeffrey E Biteng for The National
People of close to 200 nationalities live and work in the UAE. Jeffrey E Biteng for The National
People of close to 200 nationalities live and work in the UAE. Jeffrey E Biteng for The National
People of close to 200 nationalities live and work in the UAE. Jeffrey E Biteng for The National

The UAE's latest legal overhaul reaffirms its open values


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The UAE revealed a major overhaul of its penal and civil codes on Saturday, modernising a number of elements tied to family and personal law. The details of the laws and the amendments to existing regulations are important, but even more significant is the spirit in which this overhaul is taking place.

In having the law make accommodations for people from different walks of life and backgrounds, the UAE is again demonstrating its ability to attract millions of people from around the world to live and work here. Some of the issues that have been addressed by these laws, like divorce and inheritance, are important to families who are settling in the UAE and making it their home. This comes along with a number of changes earlier this year in regulations linked to residency and property laws. Put together, these measures are aimed at creating an environment that welcomes a diverse population, and make the UAE especially attractive in the competition to attract talent from around the world.

According to the new regulations, non-Emiratis can resort to the laws of their home countries in cases of inheritance, divorce, separation and the division of assets in the event a marriage breaks down.

  • Alcohol consumption is no longer criminalised and licences are no longer required. Previously, prosecutions for drinking were rare but an individual could be charged for consuming alcohol without a licence if they were arrested for another offence. Getty Images
    Alcohol consumption is no longer criminalised and licences are no longer required. Previously, prosecutions for drinking were rare but an individual could be charged for consuming alcohol without a licence if they were arrested for another offence. Getty Images
  • If a couple were married in their home country, but were divorced in the UAE, they can expect the process to be similar in a UAE court. The laws of the country where the marriage took place would be applied. Getty Images
    If a couple were married in their home country, but were divorced in the UAE, they can expect the process to be similar in a UAE court. The laws of the country where the marriage took place would be applied. Getty Images
  • The law will ensure ‘Good Samaritans’ who intervene in situations where people are in need cannot be held liable for the outcome of those they help. Under a long-standing, but rarely used clause, it had been possible for someone who went to the aid of someone, to give CPR or other first aid, to be help accountable for their injury or death. Getty Images
    The law will ensure ‘Good Samaritans’ who intervene in situations where people are in need cannot be held liable for the outcome of those they help. Under a long-standing, but rarely used clause, it had been possible for someone who went to the aid of someone, to give CPR or other first aid, to be help accountable for their injury or death. Getty Images
  • There are a number of amendments seeking to protect the rights of women. There will be no longer a distinction of crimes known as ‘honour crimes’, where a male relative can get a lighter sentence for assaulting a female relative under the guise of ‘protecting honour’. Getty Images
    There are a number of amendments seeking to protect the rights of women. There will be no longer a distinction of crimes known as ‘honour crimes’, where a male relative can get a lighter sentence for assaulting a female relative under the guise of ‘protecting honour’. Getty Images
  • For the first time the law will allow for the legal cohabitation of unmarried couples. Until now, it is has been illegal for an unmarried couple, or even unrelated flatmates, to share a home in the Emirates. Getty Images
    For the first time the law will allow for the legal cohabitation of unmarried couples. Until now, it is has been illegal for an unmarried couple, or even unrelated flatmates, to share a home in the Emirates. Getty Images
  • The new law mandates the translators are provided for defendants and witnesses in court, if they do not speak Arabic. The court must ensure legal translators are available. Getty Images
    The new law mandates the translators are provided for defendants and witnesses in court, if they do not speak Arabic. The court must ensure legal translators are available. Getty Images

Significant, compassionate steps have been taken, as suicide and attempted suicide will be decriminalised. Until now, someone who attempted to take their own life but survived could have been prosecuted, though such instances were rare if not unheard of. The law also now protects "Good Samaritans", who intervene in situations where people are in need, from being held liable for the outcome of those they help. Under a long-standing but rarely used clause, someone who went to the aid of another person, to give CPR or other first aid, could be held accountable for their injury or death. The new law states that "any person who's committing an act out of good intention, that may end up hurting that person, will not be punished". Furthermore, all courts will have to ensure translators are provided for defendants and witnesses in court, if they do not speak Arabic, ensuring further protections for those who may be vulnerable.

For years, the UAE has been making important strides in women’s rights, and the regulations announced on Saturday include increased punishments when it comes to harassment. They also remove lighter sentences for those who commit so-called “honour crimes”. The new law is clear – there is no instance in which there is honour in killing.

Progress requires the ability to revise how a society is organised in order to reflect its needs, and this is what the UAE has committed to. The country strikes a fine balance between celebrating its heritage and Emirati culture, and opening its borders and cities to people from around the world. Finding the right balance is neither easy nor a one-off measure, but rather a process of constant review and seeking opportunities for improvement.

2020 has been a remarkable year in the UAE. From starting the Arab world's first peaceful nuclear reactor, to sending the Arab world's first space probe to Mars. The UAE has achieved all this while facing a global pandemic. The Emirates has proven once again that it can be true to its motto, "Impossible is possible", by continuing to introduce historic measures, projects and a forward-thinking vision.

Previous men's records
  • 2:01:39: Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) on 16/9/19 in Berlin
  • 2:02:57: Dennis Kimetto (KEN) on 28/09/2014 in Berlin
  • 2:03:23: Wilson Kipsang (KEN) on 29/09/2013 in Berlin
  • 2:03:38: Patrick Makau (KEN) on 25/09/2011 in Berlin
  • 2:03:59: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 28/09/2008 in Berlin
  • 2:04:26: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 30/09/2007 in Berlin
  • 2:04:55: Paul Tergat (KEN) on 28/09/2003 in Berlin
  • 2:05:38: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 14/04/2002 in London
  • 2:05:42: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 24/10/1999 in Chicago
  • 2:06:05: Ronaldo da Costa (BRA) 20/09/1998 in Berlin
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Jawan
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Stamp%20duty%20timeline
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Panipat

Director Ashutosh Gowariker

Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment

Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman

Rating 3 /stars

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

The five pillars of Islam
Roll of honour 2019-2020

Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Hurricanes
Runners up: Bahrain

West Asia Premiership
Winners: Bahrain
Runners up: UAE Premiership

UAE Premiership
}Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes

UAE Division One
Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II

UAE Division Two
Winners: Barrelhouse
Runners up: RAK Rugby

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

BULKWHIZ PROFILE

Date started: February 2017

Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce 

Size: 50 employees

Funding: approximately $6m

Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait

LA LIGA FIXTURES

Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Levante v Real Mallorca (12am)

Leganes v Barcelona (4pm)

Real Betis v Valencia (7pm)

Granada v Atletico Madrid (9.30pm)

Sunday

Real Madrid v Real Sociedad (12am)

Espanyol v Getafe (3pm)

Osasuna v Athletic Bilbao (5pm)

Eibar v Alaves (7pm)

Villarreal v Celta Vigo (9.30pm)

Monday

Real Valladolid v Sevilla (12am)

 

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The biog

Hobbies: Writing and running
Favourite sport: beach volleyball
Favourite holiday destinations: Turkey and Puerto Rico​

RESULTS

5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Samau Xmnsor, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Ottoman, Szczepan Mazur, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Sharkh, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 85,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Yaraa, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Maaly Al Reef, Bernardo Pinheiro, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Jinjal, Fabrice Veron, Ahmed Al Shemaili
8pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Al Sail, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

States of Passion by Nihad Sirees,
Pushkin Press

Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Rating: 4/5
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

Dhadak

Director: Shashank Khaitan

Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana

Stars: 3

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Young women have more “financial grit”, but fall behind on investing

In an October survey of young adults aged 16 to 25, Charles Schwab found young women are more driven to reach financial independence than young men (67 per cent versus. 58 per cent). They are more likely to take on extra work to make ends meet and see more value than men in creating a plan to achieve their financial goals. Yet, despite all these good ‘first’ measures, they are investing and saving less than young men – falling early into the financial gender gap.

While the women surveyed report spending 36 per cent less than men, they have far less savings than men ($1,267 versus $2,000) – a nearly 60 per cent difference.

In addition, twice as many young men as women say they would invest spare cash, and almost twice as many young men as women report having investment accounts (though most young adults do not invest at all). 

“Despite their good intentions, young women start to fall behind their male counterparts in savings and investing early on in life,” said Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, senior vice president, Charles Schwab. “They start off showing a strong financial planning mindset, but there is still room for further education when it comes to managing their day-to-day finances.”

Ms Schwab-Pomerantz says parents should be conveying the same messages to boys and girls about money, but should tailor those conversations based on the individual and gender.

"Our study shows that while boys are spending more than girls, they also are saving more. Have open and honest conversations with your daughters about the wage and savings gap," she said. "Teach kids about the importance of investing – especially girls, who as we see in this study, aren’t investing as much. Part of being financially prepared is learning to make the most of your money, and that means investing early and consistently."

What sanctions would be reimposed?

Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:

  • An arms embargo
  • A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
  • A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
  • A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
  • Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
How Sputnik V works
The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5