An Analysis of Divorce Cases in the United Arab Emirates: A Rising Trend

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the Arabian Gulf, has undergone significant social changes over the last 50 years. In addition to the positive social changes that have occurred since the discovery of oil, there also has been an increase in social problems, including divorce. Divorce rates are on the rise in the UAE, and the government is particularly concerned with the rising divorce rate among its citizens. Using both document analysis and in-depth interviews, this study sought to explore reasons for the increasing divorce rates; we analyzed 367 completed divorce files from four UAE emirates' courts: Sharjah, Ajman, Um Al Quwain, and Fujairah. Additionally, we conducted in-depth interviews with four divorced Emirati women to gain an understanding of unknown aspects of the divorce phenomenon in the UAE and inform government or social programs that are aimed at reducing the divorce rates.