Last Saturday, the UAE government announced some major law amendments that’ll be affecting our daily lives from here on out. According to The National, these new laws are effective immediately, and reflect more “progressive measures to improve living standards in the UAE.” 

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan revealed these decrees, one of them being that unmarried couples can now cohabitate and live together. This is a huge first. Previously, it was illegal for unmarried couples, or even unrelated flatmates, to share a home in the UAE. 

In addition to this, there have been new law amendments in regards to alcohol consumption. UAE residents will no longer be at risk of fines or will need licenses to consume in private spaces. The legal still remains at 21 years old.

Other important family-related laws have been announced, along with a decision to decriminalise suicide. The UAE is pushing forward with mental health awareness and resources to improve instead.Â