DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates scrapped reduced sentences for so-called “honour” killings in a sweeping overhaul of criminal and family law announced on Saturday.

The oil-rich Gulf state also lifted a ban on unmarried couples living together and eased restrictions on alcohol consumption, while raising the penalties for rape and sexual harassment. The legal systems of many Arab countries provide for reduced penalties for “honour” crimes, victims of which are mostly women seen as having brought “dishonour” on their families.—AFP