DUBAI (Reuters), -A new Abu Dhabi decree, issued Sunday by the ruler of state news agency WAM, allows non-Muslims to get married, divorcing, and joint custody in civil law.

It’s the United Arab Emirates latest initiative to preserve its position as regional hub for commerce.

Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Khalifa al Zayed al Nahayan is the President of the UAE Federation of 7 Emirates. He said that the UAE law applies to civil marriage, divorce and joint child custody. Also, the decree covers proof of paternity as well as inheritance.

WAM explained that it aims “to enhance the position and global competivity of the UAE as an attractive destination for talent and skilled”,

According to the report, the non-Muslim civil law that regulates family matters was the first in its type worldwide and “in accordance with international best practices.”

Abu Dhabi will soon have an Arabic-speaking court for non-Muslim family cases.

Last year, the UAE introduced several legal changes at federal level. These included decriminalizing premarital sexual relationships and cancelling provisions that allow for leniency in dealing with “honour killings”.

The reforms along with other measures, such as the introduction of longer-term visas were seen as an opportunity for the Gulf state make it more appealing for investment, tourism, and long-term resident.