Divorces in UAE: Rising costs, daily pressures cannot be the reasons, says Dubai billionaire

Khaleej Times

27-03-2025

Rising costs, lack of appreciation, and the pressures of daily life may be reasons for divorce; still, they are not sufficient justifications, said Emirati Dubai billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, the Founder and Chairman of Al Habtoor Group.
Family lawyers have observed increased divorce filings as the process has become easier, allowing individuals to preserve their dignity while navigating challenging relationships.
"These days, I regret to see that divorce is no longer an exceptional case but rather a phenomenon that portends the disintegration of the family structure," Al Habtoor stated on X. "Therefore, it is imperative that we approach this issue with awareness, not emotion."
Al Habtoor emphasised that the foundation for resolving marital issues begins not in the courtroom but at home through proper upbringing and a deep understanding of marital responsibilities. "Marriage is not a material contract but a partnership that requires patience, containment, and ongoing dialogue," he explained.
The rise of divorce among newlywed couples has been particularly noticeable in the courts and among legal professionals. "The way couples approach marriage and divorce in the UAE has changed significantly in recent years," noted Byron James, a partner at Expatriate Law and an international family law expert.
"With a wider range of legal frameworks now in place — including the streamlined civil family law court in Abu Dhabi — we are gaining clearer insights into why many marriages are ending early, and how people are using the law to redefine their relationships."
James described the primary legal avenues available for divorce in the UAE. He explained that the civil family law in Abu Dhabi facilitates no-fault divorces without mandatory counseling, allowing the entire process to be completed in less than 30 days. While foreign law exists, it's seldom used due to conflicts with local regulations.
Additionally, the Muslim personal status law necessitates counseling and is based on Islamic principles, whereas the Non-Muslim Personal Status Law also permits no-fault divorces without requiring counseling.
"The ability to file quickly and with minimal procedure has made separation more accessible," James explained. "This trend reflects broader societal changes, as many now view marriage as a partnership that must continuously align with personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and mutual respect." He continued, "When that alignment isn't there, people are quicker to move on."
Even in no-fault divorce systems, common patterns tend to emerge, according to legal experts. "Some couples marry too quickly, often driven by external pressures," James noted. "Once the wedding is over, real life sets in, revealing communication gaps and mismatched priorities."
Noura Al Mansouri, a Dubai-based family lawyer, echoed these sentiments, emphasising that societal factors play a crucial role in the rise of divorces. "With evolving norms, people are increasingly willing to prioritize their emotional wellbeing," she said. Al Mansouri noted that as cultural attitudes shift, many individuals now view marriage through a different lens, recognizing it as a partnership that requires ongoing effort and understanding.
She pointed out that the influence of social media and modern communication has also changed how couples perceive relationships. "In today's digital age, people are exposed to various relationship models and ideals, which can lead to unrealistic comparisons," she explained. This constant exposure may contribute to dissatisfaction when real-life relationships fail to match these idealized versions.
Sangeeta Manglani, a relationship coach and psychologist, highlighted the emotional dynamics at play in early divorces. "Most early divorces arise from unresolved personal issues or deep-rooted conditioning," she noted. "Many struggle with conflict resolution due to a lack of emotional connection with themselves and their partners."
Effective communication, she emphasized, is the cornerstone of a healthy marriage. "Couples often assume their partner should just understand their needs, which leads to misunderstandings and frustration," Manglani explained. When partners avoid difficult conversations or communicate from a place of blame rather than understanding, it creates emotional distance that can erode the relationship.
Sangeeta advised couples that pre-marital counseling is a vital resource for those preparing for marriage. She emphasized that it provides valuable insights into important areas such as communication styles, conflict resolution, financial expectations, intimacy, and family dynamics. "By discussing these topics prior to marriage, couples can build a solid foundation and ensure their values are aligned," she noted.