Court permits wife beating

The United Arab Emirates' highest judicial body has ruled that a man can beat his wife and young children as long as the beating leaves no physical marks.

The decision by the Federal Supreme Court shows the strong influence of Islamic law in the United Arab Emirates despite its international appeal, in which foreign residents greatly outnumber the local population.

The court made the ruling earlier this month in the case of a man who left cuts and bruises on his wife and adult daughter after a beating.

The court ruled the man was guilty of harming the women but noted that Islamic codes allow for "discipline" if no marks are left.