BBC News
The United Arab Emirates has decided that from now on, films made for adults will not be censored and screening of international films in cinemas can be done with an age rating of +21, ie people over 21 years of age. Will
The country's Ministry of Culture and the Youth Media Regulatory Office have said that the age rating of +21 will be introduced for showing films in cinemas from December 19, meaning that people aged 21 and above will be able to watch such special films.
The statement said that international versions of the films will now be shown in cinemas while the age limit on public entry will be strictly enforced.
According to the UAE's The National newspaper, the decision means that from now on, editing (sorting) of films made for adults and censorship of "inappropriate" scenes will not be allowed. Rather, the age rating attributed to the films will be followed and these films will be shown in their original form.
The statement called on cinemas to "strictly adhere to age ratings and ask people 21 years of age or older for proof of identity."
The National says most international films are released in the UAE, but it is common to exclude certain adult scenes from the films.
It said that the highest age rating so far was 18 years under which only a few films were released.
In 2018, the government mandated age ratings for a wide range of entertainment content. It also included books and video games.
Although the UAE government is traditionally considered conservative, it is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf and generally respects other religions and traditions.
Under the new rules introduced recently, men and women can live together without getting married, while restrictions on drinking and buying alcohol have been removed.
In the Arab world, the United Arab Emirates is one of the countries with the highest number of Internet users. But content on political dissent or religion is monitored on the Internet. Media content is also monitored and politically controlled.
Attempts to re-attract foreign investment
Commenting on the news, Abby Chaseman, in an article published in the British newspaper The Times, says that when the movie 'The Wolf of Wall Street' was first shown in the UAE in 2014, about 45 minutes of scenes were cut from it. Were
According to him, the UAE previously had an 18-plus rating, but very few international films fall into the category in which adult or offensive scenes are submitted to the censorship board and are immediately banned. '
"Several Gulf states have banned the film Westside Story, which was released in the UK this month," the report said. Apparently because it involved a transgender character. It is believed that the UAE and other countries had asked Disney to cut the scenes but they refused.
It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.He said that over the past year, the UAE has undergone a major change in its long-standing strict Islamic law: people no longer need a license to buy alcohol, unmarried couples can live together. Permission is granted, attempted suicide is no longer a crime, and single women do not have to flee the country.
He believes the UAE is the second largest economy in the Gulf region, and suffered a severe recession last year, as the corona virus hit the tourism industry and oil prices hit record lows. Investing and attracting skilled workers is essential for the post-oil future."
According to Abby Chaseman, the reforms could also be linked to Saudi Arabia, where efforts are being made to change society. The UAE is keen to attract foreign investment to Riyadh."
