UAE sees rise in divorces, some within hours, days of marriage

Abu Dhabi: In its latest statistical report, the UAE Ministry of Justice has revealed a concerning rise in the number of divorces in the UAE, with some marriages having lasted for only a few hours.

According to the ministry, one of the divorces was recorded just 24 hours after the wedding.

The ministry, which recorded a total of 448 divorces across four emirates in 2024, said some dissolutions occurred for seemingly irrational or trivial reasons. Several marriages ended within a week, including one divorce just five days after the wedding, two cases after seven days, and numerous others within a month.

At the other end of the spectrum, the data also highlighted some long-term marriages ending in divorce. They included cases occurring after 47, 46, and 45 years of marriage, along with many other cases where couples had been married for more than 30 years before deciding to part ways.

The divorce cases included 217 in Sharjah, 139 in Ajman, 70 in Fujairah and 22 in Umm Al Quwain.

In terms of nationality, the break up was as under:

• 198 Emirati couples.

• 135 expatriate couples.

• 102 cases involving Emirati husband and non-Emirati wife.

• 13 cases involving Emirati wife and non-Emirati husband.

Legal experts, family specialists, and social researchers have warned against the growing trend of early divorces among newlyweds in the UAE. They attribute the phenomenon to incompatible relationships built on weak foundations, including poor partner selection, personality clashes, and a lack of conflict resolution skills.

Authorities also highlighted the negative impact of social media and family interference in fueling marital disputes, often leading to hasty separations. They emphasised the need for community-wide efforts to educate young couples on the importance of marital stability and equip them with the skills needed to handle disagreements.

Under the UAE Personal Status Law, expatriates residing in the country have the right to refer to the laws of their home countries in cases of marriage and divorce, provided it serves their best interests.

Legal expert Dr. Fatima Al Neyadi pointed out that lack of compatibility in personality, interests, educational background, and social expectations remains the primary reason behind early divorces. She noted that divorce is now a global issue, not just a regional one.

Among other contributing factors are family interference, power struggles within the marriage, and financial pressures—particularly high dowries and the costly demands associated with marriage. Dr. Al Neyadi stressed the need for institutional efforts to promote awareness about successful marriages and equip couples with strategies to manage conflicts effectively.

Judicial experts also underscored the importance of educating young couples about the value of commitment in marriage and correcting the misconception that divorce is a quick-fix solution to problems.

The UAE Personal Status Law (Federal Law No. 28 of 2005) states that its provisions apply to all UAE nationals and, unless contested, also extend to non-citizens residing in the country.

Last year, the UAE Government introduced a new and amended Federal Personal Status Law aimed at providing a comprehensive and integrated legal framework for personal status matters. These amendments seek to enhance social cohesion, ensure family stability, and safeguard the integrity of the family unit, reinforcing its role in society and its active contribution to community development.