United Arab Emirates permanently stops censoring films

by Megan Richardson

Censorship of films in cinemas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be a thing of the past as of December 2021, according to The Optimist Daily. For decades, as with many Islamic countries, cinemas in the Middle Eastern country have been censored to prevent viewers from watching scenes involving nudity, homosexuality, sex, and other content deemed inappropriate by the government and religious leaders. Now, viewers 21 and older will be able to watch films without missing scenes. 

The new rules come as tourism and foreigners permanently residing in the UAE continue to grow and bolster the nation’s economy and world status. The UAE hopes that more liberal policies like this lifting of censorship can help maintain its status as a leader in the Arab world and attract more foreign investment.

From the easing of censorship, there is a huge victory for personal freedoms, especially for younger generations who often feel constrained by traditional Islamic laws, traditions, and ideals. It also puts additional pressure on other Arab countries to follow suit and institute more liberal governance.