A decree was issued last week by UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, passing Federal Law No. 7 of 2016. The decree introduces drastic changes to the 1987 penal code. Under the new code, offenders face higher fines and tougher punishments.

1. Wives and children can take domestic abusers to court

Regardless of the Sharia law, victims of abuse like this can now take their abusers to court. Prior to the new code, domestic violence cases were carried out within the limits of the country’s interpretation of Islamic Sharia. Sharia strictly prohibits hitting the face and causing any scars.

2. Fines have gone up by 1000%

The maximum limit of fines has increased from 100,000 AED to 1 million AED. Companies can now face 500,000 AED in fines, compared to the previous 50,000 AED.

3. Expats can no longer escape deportation after committing a crime

Judges can no longer rule that expatriates who have committed crimes, not be deported. All expatriates who are charged with felonies are to be deported after serving their sentences. However, judges still have the authority to keep expats in the country if they are found guilty of committing misdemeanors.

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Changes to the #UAE penal code will allow immediate deportation for some crimes https://t.co/pS7AuLcUBb

— Gulf Business (@GulfBusiness) October 26, 2016

4. Community service has been introduced

The UAE is officially the first Arab country to embrace a new law that will replace jail time for minors with community service.

5. Insulting national icons could land you in jail for a minimum of 10 years

Insulting the UAE, its flag, national logo, leadership or institutions will carry a jail term ranging between 5 and 25 years and a fine of at least 500,000 AED.

Man accused of insulting UAE leaders online referred to State Security Court – http://t.co/i79eev98Yx – I love you Sheikh Mohammed 🙂

— DubaiNameShame #Ornery (@DubaiNameShame) January 21, 2015

6. Gambling could get you a fine of 50,000 AED at the very least

The new code charges gamblers with up to two years of jail or a fine of up to 50,000 dirhams

7. Using religion to incite protest could get you a minimum of 10 years in prison

Protesting in the name of religion or promoting sedition could land you in jail for at least 10 years.

8. Using abusive language is punishable by a year in prison or a 10,000 AED fine

Using aggressive or hateful language could now land you in jail for a year.

9. Mistreating or abusing pets could get you a 5,000 AED fine

Harming animals could now get you a hefty fine of 5,000 AED.