UAE legal reforms: What the law says about children born outside marriage

Rule change decriminalises consensual relationships out of wedlock

The updated law decriminalises consensual relationships outside of marriage and provides that any child conceived as a result of the relationship is acknowledged and will be cared for. Getty Images

New criminal penalties have been brought in for public disorder offences. The new law also prohibits the consumption of alcohol in a public place or in unlicensed locations. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Investors and entrepreneurs will be allowed to establish and fully own onshore companies in almost all sectors in the UAE, with the exception of activities considered to be ‘strategic’. Alamy

Legislation covering the spreading of rumours and fake news, electronic fraud and protecting personal data has also been put into place. Reuters

The overhauled Federal Crime and Punishment Law strengthens the protection of women and domestic workers. Silvia Razgova / The National

This legislation has also been strengthened to offer greater protection to people working within creative sectors. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A new criminal code is among the most significant changes in the UAE's legal reforms announced on Saturday.

It decriminalises consensual relationships outside marriage and stipulates that any child conceived as a result of such a partnership will be acknowledged and cared for, state news agency Wam reported.

Any couple who have a child outside marriage “will be required to marry or singly or jointly acknowledge the child and provide identification papers and travel documents in accordance with the laws of the country of which either is a national, considering the applicable laws of that nation”, Wam reported.

“Failing this, a criminal case would introduce a prison term of two years for both correspondents.”

The reforms, which come into effect on January 2, include more than 40 new laws that have far-reaching implications for life in the UAE.

Other amendments include greater protection for women and domestic workers, as well as public security and safety being strengthened.

Rapists face life imprisonment, which could be extended to a death sentence if the victim is under the age of 18 or in a condition in which they are unable to resist.

A prison term of no less than 10 years awaits anyone convicted of sexual assault on someone under the age of 18, disabled or in a position that they cannot offer resistance.

The law also applies to indecent assault on adults of both genders, which will result in jail sentences or fines of no less than Dh10,000.

If the threat or use of force is employed by the perpetrator in the course of their crime, they can be sentenced to anything between five and 20 years.