The controversial American film Fifty Shades Darker opened in cinemas throughout the United Arab Emirates last week, with just a few scenes missing.

But either this follow-up to Fifty Shades of Grey features less sex or the UAE's National Media Council is getting more lax, because the first Fifty Shades film didn't screen at all in the UAE. 

Even a spokesperson for Vox Cinemas assumed it was an error when the news first broke but he later clarified to The National that a "clean version" would be screened. 

Its unclear exactly how much has been cut from the film. Cinemas throughout the country listed differing runtimes for the film, suggesting anywhere from 13 to 20 minutes have been cut.

The Fifty Shades film series is based on books by E. L. James of the same name. Known for racy sexual themes and explicit BDSM, the books and the films have stirred controversy around the world.

The first film, which was released in 2015, was blocked in the UAE because 35 minutes would need to be removed before it could meet the National Media Council's standards. 

According to The National, the films distributor had decided since more than a quarter of the film would be cut, it wouldn't be fair to viewers or the filmmakers to screen the film in the country.

The new film already opened in Lebanon and Egypt back in February. While Lebanon also screened an uncut version of the first film, Egypt – like the UAE – did not screen Fifty Shades of Grey.

Both the films and the books have faced significant controversy and backlash throughout the world. The original film was not released in Kenya, Malaysia, Indonesia and China among others.

However, even in Western countries, prominent organizations and activists have called out the film for its promotion of what many see as sexual violence. The plot of the books and the films tell the story of a wealthy attractive businessman, Christian Grey, who falls for a young woman, Anastasia Steele. 

But while Grey shows Steele the best of the best when it comes to luxury, his dark sexual fantasies and desires cause tension in their relationship. His obsession with BDSM has led many to accuse the franchise of promoting abuse, specifically directed at women.