New UAE rule for unwed couples, live-in partners, babies born out of wedlock takes effect

  DUBAI – A new and updated UAE law easing restrictions on unwed couples, live-in partners, premarital relationships and babies born out of wedlock is now in effect. The ratified law, which was imposed beginning on January 2, 2022, came after President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved a reform of the country’s legal system on November 27. Under the new law, consensual relationships out of wedlock will no longer be considered a crime, provided that both partners are single. However, if the premarital relationship results in pregnancy, then the couple must acknowledge the baby and care for it, otherwise they will face a criminal case punishable with imprisonment of no less than six months. The couple conceiving a child out of wedlock will also be required to marry; or they can individually or jointly acknowledge the child. They must also ensure that the child is provided identification papers and a passport or travel documents in accordance with the laws of the country where either parent belongs. Unwed couples who fail to acknowledge their baby or provide it with proper identification papers will be sentenced to two years in jail.

What about married people cheating on their partners?

For married individuals engaged in extra-marital affairs, the UAE has imposed tougher new laws that took effect beginning on January 2. Under the updated law, individuals over 18 years old who have sex with people other than their legal partner will face a criminal case. The case can be filed by their husband, wife or guardian in an official complaint. Cheating partners will be sentenced to imprisonment of no less than six months. The punishment is instituted on the basis of the complaint from their husband, wife or guardian. In all cases, the husband, wife or guardian has the right to waive the complaint. The waiver may ask the court to cancel the criminal case or suspend the execution of the penalty, as the case may be. ICA/Expat Media
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