The United Arab Emirates is trying to rebrand its image by making changes to its legal system

...Radha Stirling, who founded the advocacy group Detained in Dubai, said the fear of losing expats and investors has triggered the legal reforms.

"It's a marketing facade," she said.

"I see that the UAE is extremely desperate at the moment."

...Radha Stirling said the high-profile cases showed that even if laws protected women, the prevailing culture ensured they were not followed.

"If we can't protect people who are Royals how are we going to sell it to society that we do care about women?" she said.

"They're not setting a good example."

Read the full article, "The United Arab Emirates is trying to rebrand its image by making changes to its 'antiquated' legal system" at the ABC News Australia website