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The number of divorce cases registered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) totaled around in 2024. Since 2009, divorce figures in the country primarily hovered around ***, peaking at around and in 2021 and 2022, respectively. 2012 saw the lowest number of divorces, with approximately cases.

Marriage in the UAE

The country has a pragmatic legal system governing issues such as divorce. Due to its high expat non-Muslim population, it has adapted its judicial system to better serve its diverse communities. Previously, both Muslim and non-Muslim residents were subject to the country’s Islamic courts in matters pertaining to divorce. This changed with the new federal Civil Personal Status Law, which came into effect in ***. The recent rise in divorce cases is in line with the overall trend of divorce cases in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This trend is understandable, as the number of marriage contracts in the UAE has also increased significantly in the past few years.

Social change in the region

Social dynamics in the region are seeing visible changes. Recently, countries in the GCC have gradually loosened restrictions traditionally placed on women. The UAE was already at the forefront of this transition, with women playing an active role in both the public and private sectors. More recently, countries like Saudi Arabia have seen a notable increase in the .Ìý