Marriage Fund's efforts bear fruit in Fujairah

The number of people who got married in Fujairah last year more than doubled compared to 2003.

A total of 547 UAE national and expatriate couples married in 2004, compared to 267 in 2003.

"The increase in the number of people getting married is encouraging and is attributed to a rise in public awareness and young people's realisation of the significance of getting married as soon as possible to guard themselves against vice and its related factors," said one Fujairah Sharia Court judge.

He attributed the rise in marriage rates to the efforts made by the UAE Marriage Fund and its branch committee in Fujairah.

He added lectures conducted throughout the past year at the emirate's social development centres and schools had also helped increase people's awareness about the importance of getting married and starting families.

"In such a cosmopolitan community, where thousands of people from different nationalities and cultures are living together, people are getting influenced by each other's culture, and this causes a threat to our national youth.

"The group marriage ceremonies, arranged by the UAE Marriage Fund, have also helped a great deal in urging youngsters to get married in large numbers, and they benefit from the fund's subsidies given to every couple," he added.

The number of divorce cases handled by the Fujairah Sharia Court last year showed no marked increase or drop. A total of 134 national and expatriate couples got divorced last year, compared to 136 in 2003 and 142 in 2002.

"Young people are advised to get married as soon as possible because marriage helps them fight vices, stay away from illicit relationships that could get them into trouble and to start a family," he added.