Film censorship is a common practice in the Arab world, especially in the highly conservative Gulf region. Films with scenes that, according to the authorities, are not in line with local mores are often adapted or simply do not appear in the cinema.
The Emirates, where 90 percent of the population is expatriate, has undergone a major modernization operation in recent years with the aim of becoming one of the more progressive countries in the Gulf region. To make the Emirates more attractive, the authorities allow, among other things, cohabitation, the rules around alcohol have been relaxed and foreigners can stay in the country for a long period of time.
From January 1, the Emirates will also introduce the Western weekend, on Saturday and Sunday. In the other Muslim countries in the region, the weekend runs from Friday – the day of Friday prayers – to Saturday.
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