The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has intensified its awareness campaigns to underscore how constructive conversations within the home can prevent disputes and contribute to overall community well-being, according to the department. In coordination with the Abu Dhabi Majlis Council, the initiative engages directly with residents to address common family challenges through dialogue and mutual understanding. Officials stressed that building relationships on respect and open communication forms the foundation for stable households that in turn support a cohesive society.
ADJD data indicates that such programs have yielded measurable improvements, with the department achieving a 99.2 percent resolution rate for family disputes in 2022 through reconciliation efforts, a study published by Springer Nature found. The reconciliation initiative known as Al Solh Khair has been credited with reducing the divorce rate by 3 percent that year compared to the previous one. These figures demonstrate the impact of early intervention and guidance provided by family counselors.
Senior family counselor Turki Al Qahtani has pointed to the need for core values including respect, affection, loyalty, tolerance, forbearance and forgiveness within the family unit, according to earlier ADJD statements. The current campaign builds on those principles by offering workshops and lectures aimed at young couples preparing for marriage. Participants learn practical skills to maintain harmony and navigate differences constructively.
The department’s Family Guidance Section provides electronic consultations in accordance with the Personal Status Law, facilitating easier access to support services for residents, the authority reported. This digital approach has helped streamline processes and reach a wider segment of the expatriate and national population. By focusing on prevention rather than litigation, the authority aims to preserve family structures across the emirate.
UAE national statistics from the Ministry of Justice have shown variations in divorce cases, with some emirates reporting increases in short-term marriages ending in separation. However, Abu Dhabi’s targeted measures have countered this trend through sustained awareness and support programs. The efforts align with federal policies that view the family as the cornerstone of social stability.
Continued collaboration between judicial bodies, community councils and families is expected to further these objectives, the department indicated in its latest update. Additional sessions are being rolled out to cover more areas and demographics within Abu Dhabi. The comprehensive strategy encompasses follow-up mechanisms to ensure reconciliation agreements are upheld over time.
