Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • NPR

    Why United Arab Emirates is relaxing laws on sex, marriage, liquor, vapes and more

    The UAE is overhauling laws on an array of business, cultural and social norms. On paper, it makes the emirate one of the region's most progressive countries, but critics say the reality is complex.
    by Ruth Sherlock Jan 11, 2022 3 minutes
    Employees walk to work on the first working Friday in Dubai, on Jan. 7. The United Arab Emirates has changed its workweek, making Sunday, which is a workday in many Muslim countries, now part of the weekend.

    The United Arab Emirates is known as a popular business destination that tends to punish those who transgress its conservative Muslim laws.

    It has jailed foreigners for a kiss in public. Tourists have received years-long prison sentences for bringing products like CBD vaping oil into the country. Businesspeople have been locked away for a bounced check.

    Now, experts say, the UAE wants to change its image. The country is overhauling laws that affect how it regulates a wide array

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from NPR

    NPR3 min read
    Taiwan's New President Urges China To Stop Its Military Intimidation
    Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te in his inauguration speech has urged China to stop its military intimidation against the self-governed island Beijing claims as its own territory.
    NPR3 min read
    Hold On To Your Wishes — There's A 'Spider In The Well'
    There's trouble in the town of Bad Göodsburg! A wishing well has stopped working! NPR's Tamara Keith talks with Jess Hannigan about her new children's book, "Spider in the Well."
    NPR2 min read
    The Jawbone Of Washed-up Whale In New Zealand Was Removed With Chainsaw And Stolen
    The jawbone of a nearly 50-foot sperm whale that washed ashore in New Zealand's southernmost region has been removed. While the act is illegal, it's also considered disrespectful to the Māori people.

    Related Books & Audiobooks