As the new year gets underway, attorneys in the UAE report an increase in divorce-related queries.

Lawyers in the UAE are observing a surge in couples seeking legal advice at the beginning of the new year, commonly referred to as "Divorce Day." Falling on January 2, this phenomenon reflects an apparent increase in separations or divorce requests following the festive season, which often intensifies existing tensions in families, including financial concerns.

Dee Popat, head of the family law department at James Berry in Dubai, noted a significant uptick in inquiries for family law issues, particularly divorce, during the first week of 2024. She highlighted the well-known trend of elevated divorce-related matters during the post-holiday period, attributing it to the culmination of tensions that may have existed between couples during the festive season.

Popat mentioned, "Although we are only in the first week of 2024, we have already received 12 inquiries. By contrast, we would usually receive two or three inquiries on the first three days of the month."

Statistics from Statista indicate around 5,400 divorce cases in the UAE in 2021, up from approximately 4,200 in 2020. Despite this, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department reported a six percent reduction in the divorce rate in the emirate last year.

Madeleine Mendy, partner at Bin Sevan Advocates, shared insights on the growing number of divorce cases in recent years, attributing it to couples spending more time together and realizing incompatibility. Byron James from Expatriate Law in Abu Dhabi mentioned a 30 percent increase in inquiries during this period, emphasizing that the post-holiday period prompts individuals to reassess their situations and relationships.

A former Dubai resident recounted her experience, stating that her previous marriage ended in January 2017 after increased tensions during the Christmas period. Remarried and back in the UK, she expressed that January symbolizes a time for fresh starts, especially after the pressures of the holiday season.

Relationship coach Amanda Jane Slade highlighted issues arising when couples compare their relationships to social media ideals during the holidays. She emphasized that real life often diverges from picturesque images, and unresolved arguments can resurface, sometimes leading couples to consider divorce as the only option.