Initially delayed, the ‘Barbie’ movie is now set to be released in the United Arab Emirates

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates has approved the release of the “Barbie” movie after a three-week delay over possible content issues. UAE officials didn’t explain the screening delay, which has also occurred in other Arab nations. The movie’s inclusion of a transgender actress in one of the Barbie roles could be an issue in Arab countries with Muslim majorities that consider homosexuality and transgender identity to be contrary to Islamic religious beliefs. In June last year, the UAE and other Arab countries initially delayed and then banned the release of the movie “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” apparently over the inclusion of a transgender reference and the studio’s refusal to censor it.