In November, 2020, the government of the UAE announced few changes in the Islamic personal laws. Unlike the past, it now allows an unmarried couple to cohabitate. It has even lifted up the restriction on the consumption of alcohol. This means that the residents no longer require an alcohol license in order to buy and consume alcohol, which was earlier necessary. Not only this, the new amendment also provides that the expatriates seeking divorce or filing for maintenance, can now do so using the laws of their home country. Sharia will not be imposed on them. In addition to this, the new law even provides for the criminalizing of the act of honor killing which are often done against the females of the family to upkeep the respect and honor of the family.

According to the legal experts of Dubai, these reforms on the Islamic personal laws will bring out the affirmative impact not only on the economy of the country but also on the businesses. They are of the view that, as far as the middle east countries are concerned, the act of reformation of the personal law indicates that UAE is now one of the most tolerant amongst them in terms of Sharia Law.

The main aim of the leaders behind the introduction of the new set of laws was the advancement of tolerance in the country and to attract the visitors and to accept them as residents. The economy of the country will in turn be reaching great heights as this will eventually retain the optimal talent in the country along with the international businesses.

There are few types of businesses such as the infrastructure, the real estate as well as the energy sector, which have been at a major drop due to difficulties they face in retaining these talents and it has also been regarded as one of their key concerns, owing to the fact that most of their employees are expatriates. As a result, the reforms ensure that these talented expatriates are retained in the company and fresh talent is introduced in it.

This attempt by the government to change the personal laws, as said above will introduce talent and retain it. This eventually will further lead to enhancement of the economy and build confidence among the businesses in the UAE as new opportunities will knock the doors of the local businesses.

This report of amendment is also looked at as the promotion made by the government for the world expo that is going to take place in the country, which was earlier decided to be held in October, 2020 , but was delayed, owing to the global pandemic. There are estimates been made which suggest that the event will be resulting in the commencement of new commercial activities within the country. Not only this, it is expected to bring with it about 25 million foreigners in the country. It is also seen as a way to promote the relation between the UAE and Israel as the reforms were introduced soon after the deal between the two countries was entered into. Thus, the substantial changes in the personal law has been referred to as a boosting method for both, the deal between UAE and Israel and for the World expo that will finally be seen as a support to the economy of the country.