The UAE’s stand on LGBT rights: Declarations of Islamic reforms for personal freedom

The UAE witnessed a strategic reform of its Islamic personal laws, enabling unmarried couples to cohabitate, loosening alcohol limits, and criminalizing so-called “honor killings.” The expansion of personal freedoms represents the country’s evolving image as a Westernized tourist, fortune-seeker, and business destination, amid its Islamic legal code, which has previously resulted in court cases against foreigners and indignation in their home countries. The measures are intended to improve the country’s economic and social status, as well as “consolidate the UAE’s values of tolerance,” according to the state-run WAM news agency, which provided few specifics in the surprise announcement over the weekend.

The decrees that led to the changes were detailed in the state-linked newspaper The National, which did not cite its source. The move comes on the heels of a landmark agreement brokered by the United States to normalize ties between the UAE and Israel, which is expected to bring an influx of Israeli visitors and investment to the UAE. It also comes as Dubai, which is known for its skyscrapers, prepares to host the World Expo. The elevated event, which was originally scheduled for October but was postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, is expected to bring a whirlwind of commercial activity and some 25 million tourists to the region.