SQU to begin research on divorces in Oman 

(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) A new study to be conducted by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) will investigate the causes of divorces among Omanis, with the results expected to be announced by the end of next year.The study, to be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development, is the first of its kind that will draw results from the entire country.It will look at the reasons behind divorces in Omani society, their impact and ways to overcome the issue. Field study and data collection is due to begin next month.Dr Auhoud al Bulushi, head of research and studies at the Omani Studies Centre, SQU, said the issue is a complex one as it impacts not just individuals, but society as a whole. Considered by some to be a solution, divorces could be the beginning of a series of complications, she added.''It is clear that Omani society has seen rapid transformations in the past decades, which have affected the Omani family and social roles played by its members. These changes could have a negative impact on the family's stability,'' said Dr Auhoud.GCC countries have seen a steady increase in divorce cases. Kuwait has the highest rate, as 37.13 per cent of the marriages end in divorce. It is followed by Qatar at 34.76 per cent, UAE and Bahrain at 25.62 per cent and 24.05 per cent respectively, while in Saudi Arabia it is 20 per cent.The divorce rate in Oman is 1.99 per cent as indicated by 2010 census, which is slightly lower than the 2.2 per cent recorded in the 2003 census.According to Dr Auhoud, there is a lack of statistical data on divorces in Oman, other than small scale studies concentrating on specific issues.