I read an interesting article in the Kahleej Times about how the financial crisis is shaking family ties and threatening marriages in Dubai. It includes some really thought-provoking pearls of wisdom and advice that seem applicable to romantics around the world who may be feeling the pinch right now.
Overwhelming Obligations
According to the Director of the Dubai Fatwa Department, Dr. Ahmed Al Haddad, the financial slowdown hitting Dubai has a direct impact on how families bond and has therefore prompted a rise in divorces. He points out that family problems in Dubai (Like in many other parts of the world I’d imagine) are often related to the financial obligations that a husband has to meet in order to support his family.
“Developing and enhancing family relationships have become more essential during the financial turndown. All family members should be more patient, tolerant, satisfied with their assets, and never look beyond their capabilities,” Dr Al Haddad says. Sound advice if you ask me.
Help is at Hand
United Nations’ statistics estimate that almost half of Dubai marriages will end in divorce. In a bid to reverse these foreboding figures, the General Women’s Union and Marriage Fund now offers classes to help guide young people and couples through the responsibilities of marriage.
Among the advice offered, is the recommendation that a marriage should never be based on financial interests alone. Many prominent Dubai figures agree that marital life is not just about money and that spouses must adjust and accommodate to survive in lean times.
Marriage officer and family consultant Dr Abdullah Al Ansari, told Khaleej Times that he’d seen several marriages end in divorce because they were based on financial grounds, and these were predestined to fail.
“Families should never, ever be founded on finances alone. I have witnessed some marriages that broke down because the dowry was just a ‘bogus’ apartment. Some other families sought part of the dowry to be stock shares and that meant an unstable marriage,” he said.
Be Prepared…
Meanwhile, Dr. Omar Al Khatib, Assistant of the Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, advises prevention rather than a cure.
“I do not think it will be a phenomenon. Only, very few Emirati families, which are based on financial interests, will be affected by the crisis,” he said, adding that a precautionary programme is needed to protect and develop families’ awareness about the crunch. All the bodies concerned, including the Social, Islamic and Educational departments, along with the Police, Prosecution and Courts, must work in full coordination to shield families against such a threat,” he said.
When in Doubt: Stick Together
I agree wholeheartedly with the article: when the going gets tough, the tough gotta stick together, be it in Dubai or anywhere else in the world.
I also think that whilst you have to roll with the punches in this life, knowing that economic pressure is something we may all well face in these uncertain times, does help us to prepare for its impact, if only in our hearts…