To commemorate the UAE’s 50th anniversary, a slew of new laws have been enacted, including a drastic overhaul of the country’s drug and jail legislation. First-time offenders are treated more leniently under the new legislation. And the UAE is now attempting to prioritise rehabilitation above punishment.

UAE's new drug laws cut sentences and end mandatory deportation for expats https://t.co/a8TEutOKyM pic.twitter.com/LQY87f8vF3

— UAE News (@UAENews) November 28, 2021

Those involved in drug use or possession will be held in a secure facility and will be provided treatment and education programmes. Furthermore, deportation for drug use in ex-pats is no longer required. Instead, the courts will be empowered to decide whether or not the convicted felon may remain in the country.

Another change in the legislation is that transporting food, beverages, or other goods containing marijuana, hashish, or THC, which is contained in cannabis, will no longer be a criminal offence. Instead, the things will be taken and destroyed.