UAE announces relaxing of Islamic laws for personal freedoms

[Abdullah719]

The United Arab Emirates announced on Saturday a major overhaul of the country’s Islamic personal laws, allowing unmarried couples to cohabitate, loosening alcohol restrictions, and criminalising so-called “honour killings”.

The government said the legal reforms were part of efforts to improve legislation and the investment climate in the country, as well as to consolidate “tolerance principles”.

“I could not be happier for these new laws that are progressive and proactive,” said Emirati film-maker Abdallah Al Kaabi, whose art has tackled taboo topics such as homosexual love and gender identity.

“2020 has been a tough and transformative year for the UAE.”

The broadening of personal freedoms reflects the changing profile of a country that has sought to bill itself as a skyscraper-studded destination for Western tourists, fortune-seekers and businesses despite its legal system based on a hardline interpretation of Islamic law.

The changes also reflect the efforts of the Emirates’ rulers to keep pace with a rapidly changing society at home.

The announcement also follows an historic US-brokered deal to normalise relations between the UAE and Israel, which is expected to bring an influx of Israeli tourists and investment.

Allowing alcohol

Changes include scrapping penalties for alcohol consumption, sales and possession for those 21 and over. The legal reforms were announced on state-run WAM news agency and detailed in the state-linked newspaper, The National.

Previously, individuals needed a liquor license to purchase, transport or have alcohol in their homes. The new rule would apparently allow Muslims who have been barred from obtaining licenses to drink alcoholic beverages freely.

Another amendment allows for “cohabitation of unmarried couples”, which has long been a crime in the UAE. Authorities, especially in the more free-wheeling financial hub of Dubai, tend to look the other way when it comes to foreigners, but the threat of punishment still lingered for such behaviour.

The government also decided to get rid of laws protecting so-called “honour killings”, a widely criticised tribal custom in which a male relative may evade prosecution for assaulting a woman seen as dishonouring a family. The punishment for a crime committed to eradicating a woman’s “shame” for promiscuity or disobeying religious and cultural strictures will now be the same for any other kind of assault.

Human rights groups say thousands of women and girls are killed across the Middle East and South Asia each year by family members angered at perceived damage to their “honour”. This could include eloping, fraternising with men, or any transgression of conservative values regarding women.

“There will be tougher punishments for men who subject women to harassment of any kind, which is thought to cover street harassment or stalking,” The National reported.

In a country where expatriates outnumber citizens nearly nine to one, the amendments will permit foreigners to avoid Islamic courts on issues such as marriage, divorce and inheritance.

The reforms come as the UAE gets ready to host the high-stakes World Expo. The event is planned to bring a flurry of commercial activity and some 25 million visitors to the country after it was pushed back a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/...elaxing-of-islamic-laws-for-personal-freedoms

 

[Rayyman]

What’s religion to money?

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Muslim hierarchy have definitely evolved since the times of the ummayads and mughals etc

 

[Varun]

Muslim hierarchy have definitely evolved since the times of the ummayads and mughals etc

The UAE has always been the most liberal Islamic nation.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

The UAE has always been the most liberal Islamic nation.

For foreigners, yes
But I suppose that's what the medina state is all about

 

[ahmedzee]

Is there gonna be an adult beach? Please say yes

 

[CanadianG00se]

Is there gonna be an adult beach? Please say yes

I hope it is before my trip down there

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

In a country where expatriates outnumber citizens nearly nine to one, the amendments will permit foreigners to avoid Islamic courts on issues such as marriage, divorce and inheritance.

I think that's the pertinent part of the article.

 

[anakwalajinn]

The UAE has always been the most liberal Islamic nation.

What is an Islamic nation?

 

[Varun]

What is an Islamic nation?

A Muslim majority country, duh?

 

[angrypathan]

Honour killings were never Islamic to begin with.

 

[Lurker_Ind]

A Muslim majority country, duh?

Where Islam is official religion and Government follows Sharia as state law.

Just having Muslim majority does not make a country Islamic.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Instead of giving tax breaks and provide easy atmosphere of business and VERY IMPORTANTLY reducing the costs of doing business, they opened up “sharaab and zana” in the name of “progressive steps” that will attract international investment. lol haha

What’s next?
Introduce 12 years minimum age for sexual consent to legalize pedophilia and become another Philippine Thailand type tourist destination for creeps from all over the world?

 

[CanadianG00se]

Instead of giving tax breaks and provide easy atmosphere of business and VERY IMPORTANTLY reducing the costs of doing business, they opened up “sharaab and zana” in the name of “progressive steps” that will attract international investment. lol haha

What’s next?
Introduce 12 years minimum age for sexual consent to legalize pedophilia and become another Philippine Thailand type tourist destination for creeps from all over the world?

Isn’t UAE tax free country?

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Isn’t UAE tax free country?

There are taxes on some oil corps and banks etc but whether you pay taxes or not, what’s the bottom line of “cost of doing business” is what matters, and that’s why I emphasized it by using upper case.

If you pay taxes and the bottom line of cost of doing business is $100 vs if you don’t pay taxes but cost of doing business is $120, where would the investor be more attracted to?

Besides cost of doing business, the cost of living itself is also somewhat high.
The entire Dubai is an artificial glimmer, they are perhaps trying to get ROI by tourism rather than having any significant business industry.

 

[Suleiman]

Muslim hierarchy have definitely evolved since the times of the ummayads and mughals etc

Ottomans were p modern for their time too I think.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Wow!!!! Cohabiting??!. Tauba

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Instead of giving tax breaks and provide easy atmosphere of business and VERY IMPORTANTLY reducing the costs of doing business, they opened up “sharaab and zana” in the name of “progressive steps” that will attract international investment. lol haha

What’s next?
Introduce 12 years minimum age for sexual consent to legalize pedophilia and become another Philippine Thailand type tourist destination for creeps from all over the world?

If it's true that 8 out of 9 people living in the UAE are foreigners anyway, why not? Live and let live.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

If it's true that 8 out of 9 people living in the UAE are foreigners anyway, why not? Live and let live.

And where did I try to stop them?

But when you say “why not?”, what do you mean? Are you agreeing that these steps will attract international investment in UAE?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

And where did I try to stop them?

But when you say “why not?”, what do you mean? Are you agreeing that these steps will attract international investment in UAE?

I don't know, that was your suggestion to be fair.

 

[sweep_shot]

Wow!!!! Cohabiting??!. Tauba

Very disappointing from UAE. They are trying too hard to prove to the world how liberal they are.

 

[Dios]

Nice of UAE to finally join the 21st century.

 

[CanadianG00se]

Very disappointing from UAE. They are trying too hard to prove to the world how liberal they are.

Why is it disappointing?

Why does non-Muslims have to marry in order to live together? Do you even know how many expats are in UAE? Many expats comes from country like Philippines, EU, N America etc who quite frankly have different life style.

UAE market is in huge economic turmoil as more and more expats are moving out. In order for UAE to retain/attract foreign talent they have to mend their rules. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

 

[Markhor]

Can they also put some pace and bounce into their pathetic cricket pitches ?

Or is that beyond the wit of mankind.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Very disappointing from UAE. They are trying too hard to prove to the world how liberal they are.

No, that’s perhaps not the reason.

The Covid hit might have been quite devastating to their fake glitter based economy.
The tourism must have been down and they are in panic to stop the collapse.

All those palm island and the world island had been rotting, with construction totally stopped for months.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

I don't know, that was your suggestion to be fair.

May be you got such a hint but my subtle critique was on the steps taken in hopes to invite international investment.

Obviously, it’s their country and they are free to do whatever they want. However, I don’t think these are wise steps to replenish the economy. And this isn’t got to do with preserving religious values. Matter of fact, it reeks guilty consciousness when they try to justify it by saying, we are allowing alcohol purchase to Muslims and to anyone without a license and they are allowing cohabitating, in the name of “progressive steps”.

If alcohol consumption and cohabitating was the major reason towards creating a “progressive society” then many African and South American countries would be part of the first world.


Again, be my guest and go ahead and do what you want to do for your country.

 

[rhony]

Good news. Governments shouldn't get involved in people's bedrooms. Liquor money is good revenue. There was always liquor but one had to take a couple of risks.

 

[Tubs]

May be you got such a hint but my subtle critique was on the steps taken in hopes to invite international investment.

Obviously, it’s their country and they are free to do whatever they want. However, I don’t think these are wise steps to replenish the economy. And this isn’t got to do with preserving religious values. Matter of fact, it reeks guilty consciousness when they try to justify it by saying, we are allowing alcohol purchase to Muslims and to anyone without a license and they are allowing cohabitating, in the name of “progressive steps”.

If alcohol consumption and cohabitating was the major reason towards creating a “progressive society” then many African and South American countries would be part of the first world.


Again, be my guest and go ahead and do what you want to do for your country.

It's not that the banning of cohabiting and alcohol necessarily, it's the restriction of individual liberty. Enforcing religious law is never a good thing, if people want to adhere to religion, they should be able to, and if they don't, they shouldn't have to. So removing religion and state is the best way to do that, as the default will be to not enforce religion, and those who are religious will be free to adhere to it.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

It's not that the banning of cohabiting and alcohol necessarily, it's the restriction of individual liberty. Enforcing religious law is never a good thing, if people want to adhere to religion, they should be able to, and if they don't, they shouldn't have to. So removing religion and state is the best way to do that, as the default will be to not enforce religion, and those who are religious will be free to adhere to it.

I agree.
And as I already stated in my last sentence, I don't have an issue with it.

My point is the same, these notions of individual liberty, is not the wisest step to attract international investment to revive a covid hit economy.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

May be you got such a hint but my subtle critique was on the steps taken in hopes to invite international investment.

Obviously, it’s their country and they are free to do whatever they want. However, I don’t think these are wise steps to replenish the economy. And this isn’t got to do with preserving religious values. Matter of fact, it reeks guilty consciousness when they try to justify it by saying, we are allowing alcohol purchase to Muslims and to anyone without a license and they are allowing cohabitating, in the name of “progressive steps”.

If alcohol consumption and cohabitating was the major reason towards creating a “progressive society” then many African and South American countries would be part of the first world.


Again, be my guest and go ahead and do what you want to do for your country.

Is the UAE even a country? Where eight out of nine inhabitants are foreigners not sure exactly what it is. I don't actually know that much about the place so no idea how the arabs who live there refer to themselves. What actually is their nationality?

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Is the UAE even a country? Where eight out of nine inhabitants are foreigners not sure exactly what it is. I don't actually know that much about the place so no idea how the arabs who live there refer to themselves. What actually is their nationality?

Emirati?. Considering kissing was imprisonable ... This is crazy

 

[anakwalajinn]

A Muslim majority country, duh?

And how many such countries have you visited?

 

[anakwalajinn]

Where Islam is official religion and Government follows Sharia as state law.

Just having Muslim majority does not make a country Islamic.

How many countries are following sharia law?

 

[Varun]

And how many such countries have you visited?

At least 10 personally. Not sure why that matters.

 

[anakwalajinn]

At least 10 personally. Not sure why that matters.

And what are those ten countries?

 

[LongHorn]

UAE market is in huge economic turmoil as more and more expats are moving out. In order for UAE to retain/attract foreign talent they have to mend their rules. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

You are partly right,
However the vast majority of expats are moving not by choice but because they got laid off or their businesses failed

It is not as if expats are resigning and leaving and rules needed to be relaxed to convince them to stay

 

[Varun]

And what are those ten countries?

UAE, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Malaysia (?).

 

[CanadianG00se]

You are partly right,
However the vast majority of expats are moving not by choice but because they got laid off or their businesses failed

It is not as if expats are resigning and leaving and rules needed to be relaxed to convince them to stay

Moving out because of economic downturn. Dubai is heavily reliant on expats and tourists. Due to COVID tourists aren’t coming and now expats are leaving as well, which is why Dubai is feeling the heat.

My significant other lives in Dubai as an expat and daily updates me how people are out of jobs( as you mentioned) and many are not able to afford to live there anymore. She herself isn’t sure how long till she gets laid off too( her bank downsized her department from 150 people in 2019 to 23 at the moment)

All these new rules are meant to attract people from first world who have perhaps avoided Dubai/UAE due to their Ultra-conservative society.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Emirati?. Considering kissing was imprisonable ... This is crazy

What is Emirati? I always assumed Emir just meant ruler, so does that mean it's a country made up of rulers? That would be a bit weird.

 

[CanadianG00se]

What is Emirati? I always assumed Emir just meant ruler, so does that mean it's a country made up of rulers? That would be a bit weird.

Emiratis are the nationals of UAE.

 

[Nadeemp]

Good , now the rest of the inhabitants of UAE don’t have to suffer through these archaic laws.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Emiratis are the nationals of UAE.

UAE just means United Arab Emirates. So I suppose the question then would be who were they when they were disunited? Any ideas?

 

[gani999]

The UAE has always been the most liberal Islamic nation.

Doubt it is more liberal than Indonesia or what Turkey was before Erdogan.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Doubt it is more liberal than Indonesia or what Turkey was before Erdogan.

Turkey is still very liberal despite all the noise we hear about Erdogan. You can buy alcohol in the shops and both male and female walk around on beaches in their swimwear. In fact it's probably far more liberal than India.

 

[Tubs]

Turkey is still very liberal despite all the noise we hear about Erdogan. You can buy alcohol in the shops and both male and female walk around on beaches in their swimwear. In fact it's probably far more liberal than India.

Though I usually find your obsession with India a bit strange, I fully agree here.

 

[Nadeemp]

UAE just means United Arab Emirates. So I suppose the question then would be who were they when they were disunited? Any ideas?

In December 1971, the UAE became a federation of six emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, and Fujairah, while the seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, joined the federation in 1972. The capital city is Abu Dhabi, l

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Ottomans were p modern for their time too I think.

Apart from fratricide and slavery

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

Why is it disappointing?

Why does non-Muslims have to marry in order to live together? Do you even know how many expats are in UAE? Many expats comes from country like Philippines, EU, N America etc who quite frankly have different life style.

UAE market is in huge economic turmoil as more and more expats are moving out. In order for UAE to retain/attract foreign talent they have to mend their rules. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

The issue stems for the fact that Westerners want them to mend their rules when they live in such countries as expats while being kings in their home states as well.

The fact that UAE has sold their soul for $$$ is the problem here. Why can't Muslims have multiple wives in foreign states (as long as they consent)? We're not asking the Americans or the British to marry more than one, just the Muslims. But the laws of those countries are there and we respect them (most do - the minority that doesn't has tarnished the reputation of all Muslims), so they should do the same under Islamic law in these states.

But we all now the hypocrisy that riddles this country...

 

[uberkoen]

The issue stems for the fact that Westerners want them to mend their rules when they live in such countries as expats while being kings in their home states as well.

The fact that UAE has sold their soul for $$$ is the problem here. Why can't Muslims have multiple wives in foreign states (as long as they consent)? We're not asking the Americans or the British to marry more than one, just the Muslims. But the laws of those countries are there and we respect them (most do - the minority that doesn't has tarnished the reputation of all Muslims), so they should do the same under Islamic law in these states.

But we all now the hypocrisy that riddles this country...

Is an Islamic Nikkah required to be recognized as a legal marriage in the US or any other western country? You can do 4 nikkah's and live with 4 wives without having any of them be considered a legal marriage as per the laws of the country but it would still be a legal Islamic marriage. No one would say anything.

Not sure what you're on about but that was one of the stupidest examples I've ever heard and I've heard a lot of stupid ones.

The reason behind allowing only one legal marriage is related to tax issues and has nothing to do with religion. Please educate yourself.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Is an Islamic Nikkah required to be recognized as a legal marriage in the US or any other western country? You can do 4 nikkah's and live with 4 wives without having any of them be considered a legal marriage as per the laws of the country but it would still be a legal Islamic marriage. No one would say anything.

Not sure what you're on about but that was one of the stupidest examples I've ever heard and I've heard a lot of stupid ones.

The reason behind allowing only one legal marriage is related to tax issues and has nothing to do with religion. Please educate yourself.

So lets say, a Saudi shopkeeper in USA catches a thief for shoplifting, calls the cops and demands that the thief's hand should be chopped.
Should the American govt bend it's laws to allow it because that's what Saudi's are used to?

The example provided by the other poster was to give you an idea that when you visit a foreign land, you obey and follow THEIR laws. The host country does not change it's laws for you.

 

[Third_Umpire]

Welcome to the modern world!

 

[uberkoen]

So lets say, a Saudi shopkeeper in USA catches a thief for shoplifting, calls the cops and demands that the thief's hand should be chopped.
Should the American govt bend it's laws to allow it because that's what Saudi's are used to?

The example provided by the other poster was to give you an idea that when you visit a foreign land, you obey and follow THEIR laws. The host country does not change it's laws for you.

The point made by the poster was regarding infringement of your personal rights based on your religion and how laws in western countries don't allow you to freely practice your religion. Which is not true. There is no law in any western country prohibiting you from following the teachings of your religion and living your life as you want

 

[dildilpak]

So lets say, a Saudi shopkeeper in USA catches a thief for shoplifting, calls the cops and demands that the thief's hand should be chopped.
Should the American govt bend it's laws to allow it because that's what Saudi's are used to?

The example provided by the other poster was to give you an idea that when you visit a foreign land, you obey and follow THEIR laws. The host country does not change it's laws for you.

That’s precisely the point the French are making regarding the freedom of speech debate - their country, their rules.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

That’s precisely the point the French are making regarding the freedom of speech debate - their country, their rules.

Has anyone ever claimed that a country can't have their own rules?

 

[dildilpak]

Has anyone ever claimed that a country can't have their own rules?

If thats not the case, then why protest the Burka ban? Why should sharing a picture (which was completely acceptable according to the French secular principles) bring death & condemnation to the French? Dont you find it hypocritical that many dont want Islamic changing their rules to accommodate the westerners, while simultaneously demanding that non-Islamic countries accomodate their own religious beliefs?

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

Is an Islamic Nikkah required to be recognized as a legal marriage in the US or any other western country? You can do 4 nikkah's and live with 4 wives without having any of them be considered a legal marriage as per the laws of the country but it would still be a legal Islamic marriage. No one would say anything.

Not sure what you're on about but that was one of the stupidest examples I've ever heard and I've heard a lot of stupid ones.

The reason behind allowing only one legal marriage is related to tax issues and has nothing to do with religion. Please educate yourself.

Don't know where you got the tax from. It's because they are contrary to the accepted norms that are morally binding on American society. Tax issues can arise when one is an employee of multiple companies, has multiple income streams, has foreign assets, etc.

Islamic Nikah's and marriages through other religions/cultures are recognized in these countries as long as there is a legal marriage certificate which is translated into the native language of the country in question (e.g. English for the U.S.) by an authorized/certified translator. So if one registers more than one spouse then things may get shaky with the government.

And in countries like the U.S. polygamy is illegal but you're right it's hard to prosecute so most get away with it anyway.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

The point made by the poster was regarding infringement of your personal rights based on your religion and how laws in western countries don't allow you to freely practice your religion. Which is not true. There is no law in any western country prohibiting you from following the teachings of your religion and living your life as you want

Technically, if practising your religion involves marrying multiple wives and polygamy is illegal in these countries then their laws can be considered as prohibiting your right to practice your religion.

But, generally these countries are very accommodating and don't prohibit religious practices, but my point still stands - the concept of polygamy is touchy because it is a Halal aspect of Islam but forbidden under laws of certain countries so there is a grey area and you can't ignore it.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

If thats not the case, then why protest the Burka ban? Why should sharing a picture (which was completely acceptable according to the French secular principles) bring death & condemnation to the French? Dont you find it hypocritical that many dont want Islamic changing their rules to accommodate the westerners, while simultaneously demanding that non-Islamic countries accomodate their own religious beliefs?

The killing and everything was completely wrong and everyone can agree on that. The uproar behind the picture/cartoon or whatever is that it directly offended a lot of people around the world and the French president getting up and kind of saying "deal with it" was a little harsh.

Personally I feel that instead of trying to revolt and bring about serious change in the French law or whatever everyone should simply ignore these people who are making such material to invoke a reaction.

And if these images are allowed under freedom of expression then allow the burka as "freedom of expression of one's Islamic values and belief".

 

[uberkoen]

Technically, if practising your religion involves marrying multiple wives and polygamy is illegal in these countries then their laws can be considered as prohibiting your right to practice your religion.

But, generally these countries are very accommodating and don't prohibit religious practices, but my point still stands - the concept of polygamy is touchy because it is a Halal aspect of Islam but forbidden under laws of certain countries so there is a grey area and you can't ignore it.

If you do a Nikkah with 4 women and live with them in any of these countries what is going to stop you? Nothing at all. You can only have one registered marriage recognized by the country due to tax issues. However, you can live with and do a Nikkah with as many women as you want without anyone stopping you.

 

[uberkoen]

Don't know where you got the tax from. It's because they are contrary to the accepted norms that are morally binding on American society. Tax issues can arise when one is an employee of multiple companies, has multiple income streams, has foreign assets, etc.

Islamic Nikah's and marriages through other religions/cultures are recognized in these countries as long as there is a legal marriage certificate which is translated into the native language of the country in question (e.g. English for the U.S.) by an authorized/certified translator. So if one registers more than one spouse then things may get shaky with the government.

And in countries like the U.S. polygamy is illegal but you're right it's hard to prosecute so most get away with it anyway.

You're wrong. Married couples can file a joint return for taxation allowing them certain benefits. I could go into details but I'd rather not. Point being, if you have submit a joint return as a man married to 4 women you're benefiting a lot and hence to stop this they will never allow it legally (as in recognized by the state). Otherwise nothing is stopping you from doing Nikkah with 4 women and living with them.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

If you do a Nikkah with 4 women and live with them in any of these countries what is going to stop you? Nothing at all. You can only have one registered marriage recognized by the country due to tax issues. However, you can live with and do a Nikkah with as many women as you want without anyone stopping you.

Yes, they may not prosecute it but it is still illegal in, say, all 49 (correction: apparently Utah made it a less serious offence earlier in the year so it's 49 rather than 50) states of the U.S. The reason they don't prosecute it is because it is hard to find, prove, and what branch of the police force will go knocking door to door to find multiple wives.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

You're wrong. Married couples can file a joint return for taxation allowing them certain benefits. I could go into details but I'd rather not. Point being, if you have submit a joint return as a man married to 4 women you're benefiting a lot and hence to stop this they will never allow it legally (as in recognized by the state). Otherwise nothing is stopping you from doing Nikkah with 4 women and living with them.

Apparently it's prohibited by the Edmund's Act which is a revision of previous acts which prohibited polygamy due to it being against the fabric of their society, morals, etc. as Mormonism was on the rise then and Church and state wanted to quell the threat.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

If thats not the case, then why protest the Burka ban? Why should sharing a picture (which was completely acceptable according to the French secular principles) bring death & condemnation to the French? Dont you find it hypocritical that many dont want Islamic changing their rules to accommodate the westerners, while simultaneously demanding that non-Islamic countries accomodate their own religious beliefs?

So are you saying even protesting against rules are wrong? If that was right then how would black people ever have gotten rights in America back in the 60's? When rules are changed like the burka ban you mentioned, then everyone has to fall in line with the law at the end of the day, but it's a strange perspective to say that those who are affected aren't even allowed to voice their opposition.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The killing and everything was completely wrong and everyone can agree on that. The uproar behind the picture/cartoon or whatever is that it directly offended a lot of people around the world and the French president getting up and kind of saying "deal with it" was a little harsh.

Personally I feel that instead of trying to revolt and bring about serious change in the French law or whatever everyone should simply ignore these people who are making such material to invoke a reaction.

And if these images are allowed under freedom of expression then allow the burka as "freedom of expression of one's Islamic values and belief".

If Macron wants to tell Muslims to 'deal with it' then that's up to him, I guess that's what Muslims in France will have to do. Where I think he overstepped the bounds was in projecting abusive images of the Prophet PBUH on govt buildings, I feel that was a poor image for a world leader.

 

[Tubs]

If Macron wants to tell Muslims to 'deal with it' then that's up to him, I guess that's what Muslims in France will have to do. Where I think he overstepped the bounds was in projecting abusive images of the Prophet PBUH on govt buildings, I feel that was a poor image for a world leader.

I can certainly see it being distasteful. However, the cartoons would have been long-forgotten about if Charlie Hebdo weren't attacked, and they would never have been projected onto the buildings if that terrorist didn't behead the teacher. Protest and boycott is fine and is your right, but if it stopped at there, these images would have been history by now.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

If Macron wants to tell Muslims to 'deal with it' then that's up to him, I guess that's what Muslims in France will have to do. Where I think he overstepped the bounds was in projecting abusive images of the Prophet PBUH on govt buildings, I feel that was a poor image for a world leader.

Yeah, I guess that's how it is...

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

I can certainly see it being distasteful. However, the cartoons would have been long-forgotten about if Charlie Hebdo weren't attacked, and they would never have been projected onto the buildings if that terrorist didn't behead the teacher. Protest and boycott is fine and is your right, but if it stopped at there, these images would have been history by now.

Yes, they're trying to elicit a response (although I guess not such a barbaric one) and this is what happens. Just ignore and move on. If you think yourself close to faith then ignore the Kafirs and go about your day.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I can certainly see it being distasteful. However, the cartoons would have been long-forgotten about if Charlie Hebdo weren't attacked, and they would never have been projected onto the buildings if that terrorist didn't behead the teacher. Protest and boycott is fine and is your right, but if it stopped at there, these images would have been history by now.

In any case that subject has been discussed to death in several other threads, I was just pointing out that Macron did more than tell Muslims to 'deal with it', he actually took part in projecting those images himself. We don't need to discuss the rights and wrongs of it all over again, but just clarifying on what actually happened.

 

[dildilpak]

So are you saying even protesting against rules are wrong? If that was right then how would black people ever have gotten rights in America back in the 60's? When rules are changed like the burka ban you mentioned, then everyone has to fall in line with the law at the end of the day, but it's a strange perspective to say that those who are affected aren't even allowed to voice their opposition.

You are completely taking this to a different direction. My post was never about the right to protest but the hypocrisy of many when they demand Islamic rights in western countries but are reluctant to give the same to others in Islamic countries.

 

[Justcrazy]

The UAE has always been the most liberal Islamic nation.

Its a Muslim Dominated country , not an Islamic one.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

You are completely taking this to a different direction. My post was never about the right to protest but the hypocrisy of many when they demand Islamic rights in western countries but are reluctant to give the same to others in Islamic countries.

How many Muslims demand Islamic rights in western countries? Usually they just want the same rights as are already there in the constitution as I understand it. France specifically changed their laws apparently targeting Muslims, and there was some protest at that. Are you really surprised?

 

[Local.Dada]

Does UAE have a specific blasphemy law in their constitution ? Or is it self explanatory?

I wonder how many have been punished under that in their history.

 

[Local.Dada]

How many Muslims demand Islamic rights in western countries? Usually they just want the same rights as are already there in the constitution as I understand it. France specifically changed their laws apparently targeting Muslims, and there was some protest at that. Are you really surprised?

There were protests for abolishing an antiquated Triple Talaq law in India or a strong opposition to things like Uniform civil code. I believe there have been protests for sharia law in some European countries too but I guess they are a few bad apples so won’t generalize everyone due to them but it does happen.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

There were protests for abolishing an antiquated Triple Talaq law in India or a strong opposition to things like Uniform civil code. I believe there have been protests for sharia law in some European countries too but I guess they are a few bad apples so won’t generalize everyone due to them but it does happen.

If you are talking about India, those were rights which Indian Muslims already had for a long time, presumably they were there before partition and were honoured by the Indian govt to persuade them that there was still a place for them as Muslims in India. Obviously when any ethnic group sees it's rights being eroded then there is going to be some protest.

NOTE: I am not arguing about whether these rights should have been there in the first place so no need to go off in that direction, I am merely pointing out that it's a natural reaction to a loss. One must also bear in mind that India is a third world nation where tempers flare easily on either side, so not really the best example to use.

The point about sharia law in Europe was so asinine, you yourself have put a qualifier there, although perhaps would have been better just not to have mentioned it in the first place.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

UAE issues first civil marriage licence for non-Muslim couple

Canadian couple first to marry in capital Abu Dhabi under a new law on the personal status of non-Muslims announced last month.

The United Arab Emirates has issued its first civil marriage licence to a non-Muslim couple, state media reports.

The Gulf state where foreigners make up 90 percent of the approximately 10-million population has been amending its laws to make it more inclusive.

The official WAM news agency said a Canadian couple were the first to marry under a new law on the personal status of non-Muslims in the Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi.

The move “contributes to the consolidation of Abu Dhabi’s position as a world leading destination for skills and expertise from around the world,” WAM said.

Civil marriage in the Middle East, the birthplace of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, is uncommon and usually conducted under a religious authority of one of the three monotheistic beliefs.

Civil marriages are allowed in Tunisia and Algeria.

While some countries in the region allow civil unions based on certain conditions, some only recognise civil marriages conducted abroad and others not at all.

The UAE has taken measures in the past year to make its economy more attractive to foreign investment and talent, including introducing longer-term visas.

It has also revised laws regarding cohabitation before marriage, alcohol and personal status laws.

Earlier this month, UAE announced all government entities will adopt a new Western-style work-week schedule consisting of four-and-a-half days with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday forming the new weekend.

Competition is hotting up as neighbouring Saudi Arabia, seeking to diversify its oil-reliant economy, aims to turn its capital Riyadh into an international hub.

Saudi Arabia has lifted a ban on women driving and eased its strict Muslim dress code.

Last year, Riyadh said it would not sign contracts with companies that have their regional headquarters outside the kingdom.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021...l-marriage-licence-non-muslim-canadian-couple

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

UAE stock markets to shift to Monday-Friday trading week

Aligning with global economy workweek will benefit the country’s banking and financial sector, a UAE official tells Bloomberg.

Stock exchanges in the Middle East’s commercial capital will soon operate Monday through Friday after the United Arab Emirates decided to align its work week with the global norm, in a push to drum up international investment and business.

The financial sector will be the primary beneficiary of the UAE’s move to shift away from the Middle Eastern work week of Sunday through Thursday, Abdulrahman Al Awar, director general of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, said in a Bloomberg TV interview on Wednesday.

“The banking and financials sector will benefit from this because we are eliminating the weekend gap that previously existed,” Al Awar said. “We are now aligned with the world’s economies.”

The UAE is adopting new business practices as it seeks to reposition itself as a global business hub and fend off increasing competition regionally from energy powerhouse Saudi Arabia. The rivalry has spurred the UAE to speed up changes aimed at attracting foreign talent and strengthen trade ties beyond the Middle East, including more relaxed residency requirements.

The new 4 1/2-day work week, which includes shortened hours on Friday, Islam’s holy day, applies to the public sector. But with schools almost sure to follow suit, it’s likely only a matter of time before the private sector falls in line, analysts have predicted.

Under the shift, the state-controlled stock exchanges in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will operate from Jan. 3 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Trading hours will not change.

“Friday will be a full business day for the stock markets,” Al Awar said. “The decision is made to invest in the competitiveness of the UAE economy and to enhance productivity.”

Market operators in the UAE have already introduced changes in recent months, including extending trading hours and offering incentives for companies to sell shares to the public.

While the change in equity-market hours aligns the UAE with much of the rest of the world, it distances it from regional competitors such as Saudi Arabia, leaving traders and investors to strike a balance between the two at a time when working practices worldwide have been upended by the pandemic. The Saudi bourse, the largest in the Middle East, trades Sunday through Thursday.

The one-day gap between the Saudi market and the rest of the world hasn’t been a concern for international investors, said Khalid Al-Hussan, chief executive officer of the Saudi stock exchange in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

“Having said that, we always keep a very close eye on changes around us, that includes our trading hours, that includes our trading days,” Al-Hussan said. “This is a decision that has to be assessed by the government.”

In Israel, which officially hews to the Sunday through Thursday week, the powerful technology sector would welcome such a shift. Its employees often find themselves working six days a week to conform with both their country’s schedule and that of clients and partners abroad.

“It’s a hugely positive move to align the markets and work week with the rest of the world,” said Avi Eyal, managing partner at Entrée Capital, a venture capital fund that has invested in four UAE companies. While the shift won’t affect burgeoning trade ties with the UAE, Israel should “learn from this decision and implement the same approach immediately,” he said.

–With assistance from Farah Elbahrawy, Yaacov Benmeleh and Shaji Mathew.

https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/12/8/uae-stock-markets-to-shift-to-monday-friday-trading-week

 

[Last Monetarist]

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/25/casino-giant-wynn-to-open-a-1000-room-resort-in-uae-emirate-introducing-legal-gaming.html

American casino developer Wynn Resorts has set its sights on a new market, and one that has never before allowed gambling: the United Arab Emirates.

The Nevada-based casino giant on Tuesday announced a multibillion-dollar deal with the UAE emirate of Ras al-Khaimah that will see it open a 1,000-room luxury hotel with 10 restaurants and lounges, a spa, a convention facility, shopping venues and a gaming area.

The announcement came in tandem with a statement from the Ras al-Khaimah Tourism Development Authority introducing a new division, called the Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation, which will regulate “integrated resorts” that include hotel operations, entertainment spaces, restaurants, spas, retail shops, convention areas and “gaming.”

“Gaming” is often used synonymously with gambling in the context of hospitality and leisure venues, though it was not clear whether this explicitly meant cash betting. RAKTDA was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC.

“The newly announced integrated resort is still in its early design phase and due for completion by 2026,” a statement from Marjan, the Ras al-Khaimah developer involved in the deal, said, according to the Associated Press. “These are all the details that can be provided at this stage.”

Wynn Resorts as a company is known for its opulent casinos and hotels, most notably in the infamous gambling hubs of Las Vegas and Macau.

The UAE, famous for its glitzy skyscrapers, mammoth shopping malls and rolling deserts, has often been compared to Las Vegas — save for a few major differences, the biggest of which is that the Arab sheikhdom’s official religion is Islam, which forbids gambling.

While alcohol consumption and wearing bikinis on the beach have long been allowed in most of the country, setting it apart from many of its Middle Eastern neighbors as a foreigner-friendly expat hub, there has been no place for gambling — even with the building of a Caesars Palace in Dubai.

If the announcement by the Ras al-Khaimah Tourism Development Authority on Tuesday does indeed define gaming to include gambling, it would be very significant for the emirate and the wider country. The move would represent yet another step in a long and accelerating series of liberalizing reforms meant to diversify the UAE’s traditionally oil-based economy and compete with its neighbors and the wider world for tourism, investment and foreign talent.

“The region offers tremendous potential for the hospitality and tourism industry, and we are excited about the prospect of developing an integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah,” Wynn Resorts’ newly appointed CEO Craig Billings said in a press release, describing Al Marjan Island, where the resort will be built, as “a pristine setting and an ideal greenfield location.”

Al Marjan is a man-made island less than an hour away from Dubai International Airport.

The new gaming regulator will follow “global best practices in the regulation of gaming that operate as part of integrated resorts across various jurisdictions worldwide,” RAKTDA said in its statement, and will consider the “social, cultural, and environmental landscape of the Emirate and cover licensing, taxation, operational procedures, and consumer safeguards.”

“The foremost priority of this new division is to create a robust framework that will ensure responsible gaming at all levels,” the statement said.

Ras al-Khaimah is the UAE’s northernmost emirate, and has long worked to attract tourism while struggling to compete with the country’s commercial and tourism capital of Dubai. The UAE is made up of seven emirates, or sheikhdoms, ruled by individual leaders but who ultimately are allegiant to the national leadership in Abu Dhabi.

Wynn Resorts as a company is known for its opulent casinos and hotels, most notably in the infamous gambling hubs of Las Vegas and Macau.