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Dubai Introduced These 7 New Rules In 2021 That You Should Know About

by Deeplata Garde
Dubai Introduced These 7 New Rules In 2021 That You Should Know About

Every year, the UAE makes substantial modifications to its legislation. UAE make these changes in order to make living in Dubai simpler for its inhabitants. From wedlocks to reduced penalties for drug offences, here are the 7 new rules that will go into effect in 2021. Have a brief glance at the 7 updated policies.

1. Relationship Laws

On November 28, 2021, the President of the UAE, authorised modifications to more than 40 laws in the UAE. HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan made the greatest legislative reform in the UAE’s history. This would take effect on January 2, 2022. This featured a new rule that relaxes limits on extramarital partnerships. Which supports unmarried couples to create a child without the requirement to marry. Furthermore, in line with their home country’s legislation, both parents must produce identity cards and travel documents. If this requirement needs processing or both parents would face a two-year prison sentence.

Also Read: The UAE Government Decriminalises Relationships, Pregnancies Out Of Marriage

2. Cyber Laws

We also observed an emphasis on cyberbullying, propagating fake news. And combating online harassment in the same legal reform. The UAE enacted new legislation to “address problems highlighted by Internet technologies, their applications, and abuse.” This includes deceptive advertising or marketing unlawful cryptocurrency trading. Prohibition on sale of medical items and supplements. The legislation grants judge the authority to seize and remove equipment,
software, material, or other objects used in the commission of a crime.

3. Labour Laws

A significant change announced in the UAE was the changing of the working week. It changed from Sunday to Thursday to Monday to Friday. This went into effect on Monday, January 3, 2022. It is solely required for government employees; nonetheless, most private-sector organisations follow the suit. This includes flexible working hours for the private sector. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, processed on Monday, November 15. That allows workers in the private sector to “choose temporary and flexible work. Freelancing jobs, condensed working hours, and shared tasks.” In effect, if an employee works 40 hours per week as per their contract, they can now complete all 40 hours in three days if they desire.

4. Travel Rules

Currently, everybody entering the UAE must do a Covid-19 PCR test. The length of time required varies by a nation but is generally between 48 and 72 hours. It was recently declared that unvaccinated citizens can’t travel abroad from January 10, 2022. If vaccinated Emiratis intend to travel after this date, they must have had a booster vaccine.

5. Covid Rules

Throughout the year, the rules and limits governing the epidemic evolved dramatically. However, the following are the updated guidelines to follow:

  1. Social separation measures changed from two metres to one. 
  2. Restaurants can seat up to ten people at one table, while cafes can seat up to six people.
  3. Dancing is still prohibited.
  4. To visit a government building (from January 3), you must have a green pass on your Al Hosn app.
  5. Hotels can operate at full capacity, whereas entertainment venues may function at 70% occupancy.
  6. Weddings with up to 100 guests are possible provided all guests and employees are immunised.
  7. The number of individuals that can attend a home event is 30 max.
  8. In all public locations, face masks are still mandatory.

6. Drug Laws

The UAE eased portions of its drug regulations on November 28, 2021. It reduced punishments for first-time offenders. Instead of jail time, the new law allows persons convicted of drug use and possession to attend a secure detention facility. Along with treatment and education programmes. Deportation of expatriates guilty of drug offences is no longer required. But is left to the judge’s discretion. For first-time offenders, the minimum jail sentence has been reduced from two years to three months. A fine ranging from Dhs20,000 to Dhs100,000 applies.

7. Bounced Cheques

Dubai Courts stated that the legislation governing bounced checks in the UAE will change, The statement, released on December 26, 2021. Most cases of bounced checks, with the exception of those involving fraud, have now been decriminalised. You can settle the cases outside of court to reach a faster, more accurate result for complainants.

First Published: January 10, 2022 6:55 PM