Consensual sex, living outside marriage become legal in UAE

By: staff reporter Published Date: November 10, 2020

Picture for illustration purposes only.

PHOTO BY ARCHIVE

Consensual sex, living outside marriage legal in UAE

DUBAI – Consensual sex and cohabitation of unmarried couples are now legal in the UAE as part of newly-introduced reforms to make the UAE more expat-friendly.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday (November 7) issued a number of decrees aimed at amending the UAE’s personal laws and penal code.

Under the new changes, consensual sex between adults, as long as they are not committing adultery, will not be considered a criminal offence.

However, consensual sex will be treated as a crime if the victim is under 14 years of age, or is mentally challenged, or if the culprit is a first degree relative or a guardian of the minor victim.

A person convicted of having sex with a minor or mentally challenged individual will be given the death penalty.

Cohabitation of unmarried couples in UAE

On living together outside of marriage, the UAE has legalized the cohabitation of unmarried couples.

This is the first time that the UAE law makes it legal for unmarried couples to live together in the country.

Prior to Saturday’s amendments, it has been illegal for an unmarried couple to share a home in the UAE.

The new amendment to the law will make it easier for couples to live together in the UAE. ICA/Expat Media

Changes to UAE laws on November 7

Consensual sex becomes legal in UAE

UAE legalizes cohabitation for unmarried couples

UAE alcohol consumption without license no longer a crime

UAE decriminalises suicide, attempted suicide

UAE changes laws to protect Good Samaritans

Changes to UAE divorce law favor expats

UAE changes laws on wills, inheritance to favor expats

UAE to execute rapists, gets tougher on harassment, honor crimes

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