UAE: Abu Dhabi introduces liberalising measures

The UAE announced a package of legal reforms on 7 November, the effect of which is to bring personal and family law closer to western norms and provide greater protection to foreign nationals. The package seeks to give greater rights for expatriates – clearing up anomalies for many long-term residents and giving greater protections to women – and formalises a number of social practises, including the legal sale of alcohol to all aged over 21.