UAE enacts largest legislative reform in its history; new criminal code among 40 legal changes

The UAE officially approved the largest legislative reform in its history on Saturday. The Federal Crime and Punishment Law, effective from January 2, is among the 40 legal changes.

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.