I believe a move such as this does not really bode well for a free society that UAE is purportedly aspiring to become. Discrimination being already rampant everywhere in the world has been added now a new dimension with this promulgation. It is imperative that the country reconsider and possibly revoke this law.

Having said that, I cannot help reflecting that there must have been some solid grounds upon which this decision was taken. It would be worthwhile for the UAE government to explain the reasons behind this change of policy so as to allow everyone to regard the issue in a clearer light.