149% rise in marriage contracts in 3 months

149% rise in RAK marriage contracts in three months.Supplied photo

The number of marriage contracts registered in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has seen a significant rise of 148.8 per cent in the first three months of this year.
Official statistics show that the RAK Courts have concluded 331 marriage contracts in the first quarter of 2016. "These are against 133 marriage contracts sealed over the same period in 2015," said Jassim Mohammed Al Makki, Manager of Social Services Department with the RAK Courts.
Emirati young people represent most of the 331 marriage contracts conducted this year so far, he added. "These hit 202 marriage contracts as compared to 129 for Arab, Asian and African residents."
He said there are multiple reasons behind the significant rise. "The government has provided more houses for young people planning to get married, apart from the marriage fund granted to eligible youth."
Mass weddings have also been very helpful to many financially incapable youth not only in the emirate, but across the country, he added. "The UAE's prudent leadership spares no effort to support young people, particularly mass weddings." Applicants for marriage need to be holding a valid Emirates ID card, along with a valid residence visa in case of expatriates, Al Makki noted.
"Marriage contractors also need to be more focused when conducting a marriage for widows or divorcees as they have to ensure that the mandatory Edda or waiting period has ended, and that can be verified by the set official documents."
A marriage contractor is the legal party that guarantees the rights of all the parties included in the marriage contract, Al Makki pointed out.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com