As Kano Enforces Ban On Alcohol, UAE Relaxes Law

By Emmanuel Adigwe

The United Arab Emirates has reviewed the country’s Islamic personal laws, to relax restrictions against alcohol, allow unmarried couples to cohabitate, and criminalize the so-called “honour-killings”.

The development last weekend came as the Kano State Government in Nigeria made public its destruction of N200 million worth of beer confiscated by Islamic police.

The developments in the UAE follows the recognition by the authorities that a majority of the people living in the country are predominantly foreigners who are not necessarily inclined towards Islamic law.

According to the state WAM news agency, “the reforms will help project the country’s economic and social standing and consolidate the UAE’s principles of tolerance”.

The review it was claimed takes immediate effect and is aimed towards meeting with the changing society.

“I could not be happier for these new laws that are progressive and proactive,” said Emirati filmmaker, Abdallah Al Kaabi, whose art is renowned for touching on tackled taboo topics like homosexual love and gender identity.

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

The changes include scrapping penalties for the consumption of alcohol, sales and possession for those who are 21 and over.

GWG writes that liquor and beer is readily available in bars and clubs in the country but government permits are needed by individuals to purchase, transport or have them in their homes. However, the new rule would let Muslims initially barred from taking licenses to drink alcohol freely.

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