03 February 2023 , 11:13
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Dubai is set to become the Middle East's answer to Las Vegas thanks to newly relaxed marriage laws.
Under the new expat family law which came into effect on February 1, express marriages are now on the cards.
Couples of mixed faith can obtain a civil wedding license in 24 hours, meaning whirlwind holiday romances now have the potential to finish at the end of the aisle.
Tourists and expats living in the country have been able to marry there prior to the new law, but it was a much more complicated and longer process.
Dubai's rulers seem to be relaxing laws in a bid to encourage tourism in the city, which was the number one sought after destination for Brits in 2022 and is home to about 250,000 British residents, according to Skyscanner.
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The city is now a major draw for Brits (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Globally the city is a huge draw for visitors, attracting almost 13 million international tourists from January to November 2022.
Despite earning a reputation as the party capital of the UAE in recent year, restrictions on alcohol historically made getting your favourite cocktail in the city expensive and difficult.
Last month Dubai announced it would drop its 30% alcohol tax, and the fee tourists had to pay to get an alcohol purchasing license - which is still restricted to non-Muslims over the age of 21.
While the drink and marriage licenses are flowing a bit more easily now, the Gulf city is not quite the new home of Las Vegas style shot-gun weddings and chaotic stag and hen parties yet.
It is still illegal to drink in public places, such as parks, beaches, or shopping centres, and being drunk and disorderly or driving under the influence could result in a fine or a spell in prison.
There are a number of other rules tourists should follow when in the conservative city.
- Don't take photos of people without their explicit permission, as it is considered rude to take snaps, particularly of local women.
- Don't swear. Foul language is deemed an offence and can see tourists and non-tourists alike in trouble with the law if caught
- Don't Insult Islam. Blasphemy carries serious punishments in Dubai, so if you have any strong opinions on Islam, it is probably wise to keep them to yourself.
- Don't use your left hand to shake hands, as it used for body hygiene in some Islamic countries and is therefore considered unclean.