<p>The UAE issued its first civil marriage license for a non-Muslim couple, state media reported Monday, as the Gulf country seeks to keep its edge over regional competitors.</p>.<p>The United Arab Emirates -- where foreigners make up 90 per cent of the approximately 10-million population -- has been amending its laws to present itself as a modernising force in a largely conservative region.</p>.<p>The official WAM news agency said a Canadian couple were the first to marry under a new law on the personal status of non-Muslims in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi.</p>.<p>The move "contributes to the consolidation of Abu Dhabi's position as a world leading destination for skills and expertise from around the world," WAM said.</p>.<p>Civil marriage in the Middle East, the birthplace of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, is uncommon and usually conducted under a religious authority of one of the three monotheistic beliefs.</p>.<p>Civil marriages are allowed in Tunisia and Algeria.</p>.<p>While some countries in the region allow civil unions based on certain conditions, some only recognise civil marriages conducted abroad and others not at all.</p>.<p>Late last year, the UAE revamped an array of laws in a social liberalisation drive designed to burnish its progressive brand.</p>.<p>These included lifting a ban on unmarried couples living together, loosening restrictions on alcohol and offering long-term residencies.</p>.<p>Earlier this month, the UAE announced it will move to a Western-style Saturday-Sunday weekend.</p>.<p>Starting on January 1, 2022, the Emirates will become the only Gulf country not to observe weekends from Friday, the Muslim day of prayer, to Saturday.</p>.<p>Competition is hotting up as neighbouring Saudi Arabia, seeking to diversify its oil-reliant economy, aims to turn its capital Riyadh into an international hub.</p>.<p>Saudi Arabia has lifted a ban on women drivers and eased its strict Islamic dress code.</p>.<p>Last year, Riyadh said it would not sign contracts with companies that have their regional headquarters outside the kingdom.</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>
<p>The UAE issued its first civil marriage license for a non-Muslim couple, state media reported Monday, as the Gulf country seeks to keep its edge over regional competitors.</p>.<p>The United Arab Emirates -- where foreigners make up 90 per cent of the approximately 10-million population -- has been amending its laws to present itself as a modernising force in a largely conservative region.</p>.<p>The official WAM news agency said a Canadian couple were the first to marry under a new law on the personal status of non-Muslims in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi.</p>.<p>The move "contributes to the consolidation of Abu Dhabi's position as a world leading destination for skills and expertise from around the world," WAM said.</p>.<p>Civil marriage in the Middle East, the birthplace of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, is uncommon and usually conducted under a religious authority of one of the three monotheistic beliefs.</p>.<p>Civil marriages are allowed in Tunisia and Algeria.</p>.<p>While some countries in the region allow civil unions based on certain conditions, some only recognise civil marriages conducted abroad and others not at all.</p>.<p>Late last year, the UAE revamped an array of laws in a social liberalisation drive designed to burnish its progressive brand.</p>.<p>These included lifting a ban on unmarried couples living together, loosening restrictions on alcohol and offering long-term residencies.</p>.<p>Earlier this month, the UAE announced it will move to a Western-style Saturday-Sunday weekend.</p>.<p>Starting on January 1, 2022, the Emirates will become the only Gulf country not to observe weekends from Friday, the Muslim day of prayer, to Saturday.</p>.<p>Competition is hotting up as neighbouring Saudi Arabia, seeking to diversify its oil-reliant economy, aims to turn its capital Riyadh into an international hub.</p>.<p>Saudi Arabia has lifted a ban on women drivers and eased its strict Islamic dress code.</p>.<p>Last year, Riyadh said it would not sign contracts with companies that have their regional headquarters outside the kingdom.</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>