A recent report by the Dubai Statistics Centre reveals a disturbing trend in the marriages of Emiratis and non-Emiratis — the rising divorce rates. The numbers in both categories are significant enough to point to a social problem that seems to have its roots in modern life and its many pressures. The highest numbers, however, are in the non-Emirati category which showed a 61.57 per cent increase during the period from 2011-2013. The cause for the rupture is largely due to the incongruity of purposes that develop in a marriage as a result of frenzied career pursuits and material aspirations.
This leaves couples with little time for each other and often leads to a divide that is in danger of being occupied by other destabilising forces, like a third person. The lack of a familial support system, which expatriates leave behind in their home countries, also exacerbates the problem. While the reasons for a divorce can be extremely personal, it is also true that most times, a marriage can be saved if the couple is committed to its longevity. There are more reasons to stay happily married than court the stress of a divorce.
