One change that appears new is the ratification of a Federal Crime and Punishment Law, effective from Jan. 2, 2022, designed to better protect women, domestic staff, and public safety.

The United Arab Emirates on Saturday said a new criminal code would come into force in January as part of what it called the most sweeping legal reform in the Gulf state's history.

State news agency WAM reported the government is changing 40 laws this year. It did not make clear, however, which of the changes - which concern commercial companies, online security, trade, copyright, residency, narcotics and social issues - were new and which had been previously reported.

One change that appears new is the ratification of a Federal Crime and Punishment Law, effective from Jan. 2, 2022, designed to better protect women, domestic staff, and public safety.

The UAE wants to reform its legal system to keep a competitive edge as conservative Gulf neighbor Saudi Arabia opens itself up to foreign investment and talent.
Major changes so far included decriminalizing premarital sexual relations and alcohol consumption, and canceling provisions for leniency when dealing with so-called "honor killings" in November 2020.