UAE announces set of reforms of the country's Islamic laws

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 criminalizing so-called "honor killings."

The broadening of personal freedoms reflects the changing profile of a country that has sought to bill itself as a Westernized destination for tourists, fortune-seekers and businesses despite its Islamic legal code that has previously triggered court cases against foreigners and outrage in their home countries.

The reforms aim to boost the country's economic and social standing and "consolidate the UAE's principles of tolerance," said state-run WAM news agency, which offered only minimal details in the surprise weekend announcement.

The government decrees behind the changes were outlined extensively in state-linked newspaper The National, which did not cite its source.

Changes include scrapping penalties for alcohol consumption, sales and possession for those 21 and over.

Although liquor and beer is widely available in bars and clubs in the UAE's luxuriant coastal cities, individuals needed a government-issued license to purchase, transport or have alcohol in their homes. The new rule would 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.

In a move to better "protect women's rights," the government said it would get rid of laws defending "honor crimes," a widely criticized tribal custom in which a male relative may evade prosecution for assaulting a woman seen as dishonoring a family.

The reforms are still not detailed however, leaving much room for interpretation.

The move follows a historic U.S.-brokered deal to normalize relations between the UAE and Israel, which is expected to bring an influx of Israeli tourists and investment.

It also comes as skyscraper-studded Dubai gets ready to host the World Expo.

The changes, which The National said would take immediate effect, also reflect the efforts of the Emirates' rulers to keep pace with a rapidly changing society at home.

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