- The UAE has been constantly amending its laws in recent years, presenting itself as a modernizing force.
- According to the new classification 21+, the international film version will be shown in cinemas.
- Last year, the Gulf state lifted the ban on unmarried couples living together, eased restrictions on alcohol and offered long stays.
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates announced on Sunday that it would no longer censor movie releases, establishing an age rating of 21 or higher for films it classifies as mature audiences.
The United Arab Emirates, which is made up of seven emirates, is considered one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf region, where adult content is regularly cut or edited.
The wealthy federation has been constantly amending its laws in recent years, presenting itself as a modernizing force in a largely conservative region.
The country’s media regulator said on Twitter that it had introduced an over-21 age category into the movie content rating system.
“According to this classification, the international version of the films will be screened in cinemas, with an emphasis on strict adherence to the age classification standards for public entry,” it added.
Late last year, the United Arab Emirates renewed a series of laws in a social liberation effort designed to promote its progressive brand.
These included lifting the ban on unmarried couples living together, relaxing alcohol restrictions and offering long-term stays.
Earlier this month, the United Arab Emirates announced it would move to a Western-style Saturday-Sunday weekend, in what experts said was an attempt to maintain its dominance over emerging regional rivals.
From 1 January 2022, the Emirates will become the only Gulf country not to observe weekends on Friday, the Muslim day of prayer and Saturday.
Foreigners in the UAE make up 90% of the population of 10 million.
