Read: the new law's main provisions explained
The UAE has announced new laws for non-Muslim expatriates covering key family matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody.
The federal-decree law on personal status will come into effect nationwide on February 1, 2023.
The new legislation will set down procedures for formalising marriage contracts before courts and finalising divorces, whether initiated by one or both parties.
"It organises the procedures for settling the financial claims after divorce, and the arrangement of joint custody for the children," a statement from the UAE Government Media Office said.
The new family law will also regulate procedures for inheritance, wills and proof of paternity.
The legal reforms are in line with the UAE's efforts to develop its legislative system, put the Emirates in step with international practices, and enhance its status as an attractive destination for talent from around the globe.
"The provisions of the decree-law apply to non-Muslim foreigners residing in the country unless someone adheres to the application of his country’s law," the media statement added.
"Moreover, non-Muslim foreigners may agree to implement other legislation on family or personal status in force in the UAE instead of the provisions of this decree-law."
Law promotes equal rights
Dr Hasan Elhais from Al Rowaad Advocates in Dubai said the new law shall apply to all non-Muslims in the UAE, unless they insist on implementing the law of their native country.
“According to this law, women are granted equal rights in regards to providing witness testimony, inheritance, the right to file for divorce, and joint custody of the children until they are 18 years old. Subsequently, the children will have the right to choose between their parents,” Dr Elhais said.
“This means that women’s testimony in court will be equal to that of a man.”
He said that in regards to custody, it is granted equally to both parents unless one parent submits a request to the court seeking to exclude the other based on the best interests of the child.
“In this case, both parents will be able to file requests to court which will then decide what is best for the child,” the legal expert added.
He said civil marriage contracts are addressed by this law and must meet a set of conditions that include the need for spouses to be at least 21 years old, and for a declaration form to be completed in front of a judge.
To file for divorce under the new law, one spouse must inform the court of their desire to end their marriage, without having to justify, explain or blame the other spouse.
They can request a divorce without proving that any harm was done during their marriage.
Latest in series of legal reforms
The decree extends many of the family law reforms introduced in Abu Dhabi in November 2021 to the rest of the country.
Equal legal rights for men and women, joint custody and the expediting of divorce procedures were among the changes announced last year.
A dedicated family court for non-Muslims was opened in the capital in line with the legal reforms.
The court hears all cases related to marriage, custody, divorce, paternity, inheritance and personal status.
More than 1,000 Emirati couples took part in civil marriage ceremonies within the first six months of the court's opening.
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Fighting between the Russia-backed rebels and Ukrainian forces has killed more than 14,000 people. In 2015, France and Germany helped broker a peace deal, known as the Minsk agreements, that ended large-scale hostilities but failed to bring a political settlement of the conflict.
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How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
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Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
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Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
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