Mixed Marriage Under The Spotlight In UAE.

There is nothing inherently right or wrong with mixed marriages, however, half-Emiratis will always be different in a country which places so much emphasis on being pure Emirati, Gulf News has learnt.
With the number of Emiratis marrying foreigners on the rise, the Federal National Council (FNC) has discouraged mixed marriages and encouraged Emiratis to marry their fellow countrywomen.
“The marriage grants should be granted to more Emirati men to discourage them marrying foreigners,” said Ali Eisa Al Nuaimi, an FNC member. “Many lectures have been held by the fund for parents across the UAE warning them of the negative impacts which might result from Emiratis marrying foreigners,” she said.
The fund has also increased awareness of religious, cultural and social family principles via campaigns across the country.
Dr Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairwoman of the Marriage Fund, said the fund has always played an integral role in supporting coherent and stable families in the UAE by providing grants and spreading awareness. There were mixed views regarding the practice from half-Emiratis, with some saying being exposed to two cultures was a bonus while others said they struggled to fit in. “There is a widespread misconception that mixed marriages are more likely to end in divorce but my parents have been happily married for over 29 years and I know many other half-Emirati couples who have been married even longer,”Divorce can exist in either mixed or arranged marriages; it can bring about changes in children’s characters and affect their mental and physical health. Am a product of a mixed marriage and am in a mixed marriage as well, i do not agree with this assertion, like anything else in this world marriage has to be worked at and on and depends on the two people involved, respect and understanding is needed.
Gulf News.