Dr. Ismail Kamel Al-Barimi, a trainer and family counselor at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, confirmed that the average age of marriage has significantly increased compared to previous years. He noted that it is now often above 30 for young men and between 26 and 27 for young women. Al-Barimi emphasized the need for families to encourage their children to take the step toward marriage, highlighting the importance of positive intervention by both families when conflicts arise, rather than allowing them to escalate. He explained that the transformation of the family’s social structure—from large extended families and neighborhood support in raising children to nuclear families with only grandparents present, and now to completely independent families—has influenced the priorities of those intending to marry. For example, having independent housing has become one of the main conditions some women include in marriage contracts. He stressed that one of the most important standards for a successful marriage is compatibility in religion, character, and competence between the couple, as a lack of compatibility can lead to future conflicts.
Social specialists affirmed that the "Dubai Weddings" initiative helped reduce financial burdens and encouraged young people to take the step of marriage in a stable and supportive environment. During dialogue sessions held as part of the “My Plan to Prepare My Son for Marriage” initiative—organized yesterday by the Dubai Women’s Association under the theme “Today's Sons... Tomorrow's Husbands”—experts called for encouraging early marriage among youth. The sessions, held at Al Khawaneej Majlis in Dubai, covered family-related topics, most notably the psychological preparation of youth before marriage, the concept of rights and duties between spouses in Islam, and clarification of legal aspects related to marital rights under family law.
Dr. Jassim Al-Marzouqi, a psychological and family counselor at the Dubai Women’s Association, told Emarat Al Youm that the initiative aligns with national efforts to strengthen family foundations, considering the family as the cornerstone of building a cohesive and stable society. He explained that awareness initiatives that prepare spouses aim to highlight life and communication skills that can reduce family problems and lower divorce rates, as indicated by various statistics and field studies. He added that “marital relationships are not without challenges, but possessing the tools of dialogue and shared awareness can turn conflict into a space for growth and understanding, rather than a struggle leading to separation.” From this perspective, workshops and lectures aim to empower couples to manage their relationships in a balanced way that prevents emotional or legal escalation.
Dr. Fatima Jassim Al-Hayas, a member and advisor of the UAE Family Advisory Council, discussed the legal rights of spouses under the UAE Family Law. She explained that the husband's rights include guardianship as a responsibility and participation in managing the household, while the wife’s rights include financial support, housing, financial independence, and protection from abuse. She stressed the importance of legal awareness before marriage, as it clarifies rights and responsibilities and explains the legal procedures related to marriage and divorce, contributing to reducing family disputes.
She pointed out the role of the state and society in this regard, through offering family guidance courses, legal consultations, and encouraging youth to seek prior counseling. She noted that active stakeholders in this field include government institutions, as well as media and civil society through organizing workshops and awareness campaigns. She also addressed the role of laws in enhancing family and societal stability, stating that the law balances the rights of men and women, provides legal protection for women during marriage, grants them custody priority after divorce, and that mediation and family counseling play a pivotal role in amicably resolving disputes, contributing to lowering separation rates.
Attendees emphasized the importance of promoting a culture of early marriage and encouraging youth to take this step at an appropriate age. They also pointed out that the cost of marriage is one of the most prominent obstacles, and that the "Dubai Weddings" initiative has helped ease financial burdens and encouraged youth to marry in a stable and supportive environment.