UAE: 9 in 10 family conflicts resolved despite Covid challenges

Abu Dhabi - Couples on the brink of divorce have patched up with the help of counselling sessions led by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

The world may have grappled with an increase in family feuds and divorce amid Covid-triggered stay-home protocols in 2020. But in Abu Dhabi, the opposite was observed: There has been a spike in reconciliation.

A total of 89 per cent of 11,003 family dispute cases have led to reconciliation in 2020, according to the latest figures released by the Family Guidance Section of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). This represents a 17-point increase from 2019’s reconciliation rate of 72 per cent.

A total of 13,950 counselling services were provided to couples and families last year, according to the department.

Judicial authorities had earlier said spending time together during the Covid-19 situation helped couples patch up and restore harmony in the family.

“The increase in the rate of family reconciliation during the year 2020, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, reflects the magnitude of efforts made to help spouses resolve disputes and reach settlements and amicable solutions,” said Youssef Saeed Al Abri, undersecretary of the ADJD.