UAE decriminalizes alcohol consumption and extramarital relationships

The Emirates want to keep pace with the times.

Major changes toward liberalizing some Islamic laws have taken place in the United Arab Emirates. In particular, extramarital relationships (cohabitation without marriage) and alcohol consumption have been legalized there. At the same time, so-called "honor killings" have been criminalized in the UAE, reports NBC News.

It is reported that the UAE's rulers want to keep pace with more progressive countries and change their profile in the eyes of the international community. Reforms are now being introduced in the Arab Emirates aimed at raising the country's economic and social status and strengthening the "UAE principles of tolerance".

As part of the recent normalization of relations deal between the UAE and Israel, the rulers of the Arab Emirates expect an influx of investment and foreigners. The adopted reforms will allow foreigners who will live or currently live in the UAE to avoid Islamic Sharia courts on marriage matters.

Decriminalization of alcohol removes liability for its consumption, storage or sale for Muslims over 21 years of age, who were previously prohibited from doing so. Tourists, however, had to obtain a special license.

Now both Muslims and foreigners will be able to freely consume alcoholic beverages on the territory of the Arab Emirates.

In the world, however, legalization has gone much further. In the state of Oregon, the possession of hard drugs for personal use has been decriminalized. There, drug addiction has come to be treated not as a crime but as an illness.