Divorce in the Families of the UAE: A Comprehensive Review of Trends, Determinants, and Consequences

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the trends, determinants, and consequences of divorce among families in the UAE (Emirati and Non-Emirati). This is accomplished through a systematic comprehensive review of a large number of previous studies that describe the trends, causes, and consequences of divorce from different perspectives. The results show that divorce among families in the UAE is on the rise, following the growth in the number of marriages, with some variations. The causes of divorce are complex and linked to various socio-economic domains, such as finance, society, psychology, and physical factors. The most dominant causes identified are women’s education, employment, and empowerment. The consequences of divorce are also complex and wide-ranging, affecting individuals, families, and society as a whole. The research findings could serve as a useful guide for policymakers, experts, service providers, the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs, the UAE Department of Community Development, the UAE National Family Policy, development practitioners, and social workers.

Keywords:

• causes of divorce
• consequences of divorce
• divorce
• family and family system in UAE
• UAE

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Research Assistants Center for Family and Child Studies, Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates for their support.

Ethical approval

This paper is a review paper. It has no participation of humans and/or animals.

Author contributions

Both authors equally contributed to this paper. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 “Emirati” refers to individuals who are citizens of the UAE, while “non-Emirati” or “expatriate” refers to individuals who are foreign nationals residing in the country. Emirati nationals are those who hold UAE citizenship, and they are entitled to certain privileges and rights that may not be available to non-Emirati residents who are from various countries living and working in the UAE for temporary or long-term periods.