A new statistical report released by Sharjah’s Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD) has revealed a 49 percent decrease in divorce cases in the emirate in Q1 2021. A total of 39 cases were registered in the emirate in the January – March period this year as compared to 77 cases in the first quarter of 2020.

The study also reports a 19 percent increase in the number of new marriage contracts signed in the emirate during the same period. Around 624 nuptials were registered,compared to 523 that were signed in Q1 2020.

The scope of the report includes all new marriages and divorces that were registered in Sharjah Courts over the three-month period.

Detailing the demography of the39 divorce cases in Q1 2021, the study revealed that local Emirati couples took up 25 cases, while 9 cases were representative of marriages between Emarati men and non-Emirati females. Four divorces comprised residents, and 2involved an Emirati female and UAE resident.

During the first quarter in 2020, the total number of divorce cases filed was 77. Among them,30were represented by Emirati couples, 27 were filed by UAE resident couples, and a total of 18divorces were registered by Emirati men married to UAE residents and 2 involved an Emirati female and UAE resident.

Marriage registrations in Q1

The report states that a total of 624 new marriages were registered in first quarter 2021. Among these 355 were signed off by local couples; 78 marriages took place between Emirati men and UAE residents; 175 UAE residents tied the knot, while 16 marriages took place between Emirati females and UAE residents.

In contrast, 523marriage contracts were finalised during the same period in 2020, of which 299 involved citizens, 166 between Emirati men and UAE residents, 20 between residents and 38 marriages between Emirati women and UAE residents.