UAE Relaxes Laws; Allows Unmarried Couples To Stay Together

The UAE Government announced changes in the country’s Islamic personal laws. As per the new rule, unmarried couples in UAE will now be permitted to stay together. The new move is an effort to improve the living standards of the residents in the country. The new law is effective immediately.
The new law also amends divorce rules, women’s rights and alcohol consumption. Men and women in the UAE can now live together without any repercussions. Until now, it was illegal for unmarried couples, or even unrelated flatmates, to share a home in the Emirates. However, over the recent years, the authorities have rarely targeted or prosecuted anyone violating the rule.
In addition, drinking alcohol will also not be an offense in the UAE anymore. Anyone who drinks, possess alcohol or sells alcoholic beverages in authorised areas without an alcohol licence will no longer face penalties. However, individuals must still be over the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. Abu Dhabi residents no longer need a license to consume alcohol. The new rule came into effect in September. Meanwhile, here’s what you need to know about Getting Your Driving Licence In The UAE.
Additional changes were made to divorce laws. Those applying for divorce will now follow rules as per the country where the marriage took place, if the wedding was not in the UAE. Furthermore, strict punishments have been put in place for men who harass women along with severe consequences in case of a rape
After opening doors to tourism, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has now announced yet another good news for international travelers. Unmarried couples traveling to Saudi on vacation can now share rooms. That’s quite a leap Saudi (slow claps)! The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage recently approved the new tourism regulation.
Until recently, couples who checked into a hotel had to provide proof of marriage, but this has now been relaxed for international tourists. Saudi nationals however, will still have to provide marriage proof before sharing rooms. The new law also permits foreign women traveling to the Kingdom to book rooms.
Previously, international women tourists under the age of 45 had to be accompanied by a man (mahram), when they traveled to the country during Hajj.
The massive progress is an initiative to attract 100 million international tourists by 2030. Thereby, tourism would contribute to up to 10% of GDP. Meanwhile, did you know Saudi has also lifted ban on women drivers?