Saudi Arabia Sees Surge in Early Divorces: Sociologists Reveal the Hidden Causes

Saudi Arabia, a country where traditional family values are held in high regard, is facing an unexpected and rising social challenge — the increasing rate of early divorces, often just weeks or months after lavish wedding celebrations. Despite promises of love and commitment, many couples in the Kingdom are separating before even completing their first year together.

According to the 2025 report issued by the Saudi Ministry of Justice and the General Authority for Statistics, an average of 157 divorce cases are registered daily across the country. That’s roughly one divorce every 9 minutes. More alarmingly, divorces now account for 12.6% of all marriages in Saudi Arabia, a trend that experts say is both socially and psychologically concerning.

Al-Baha Tops the Divorce Charts

The report further reveals that the Al-Baha region, located in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia, recorded the highest divorce rate in the country — with 36% of marriages ending in separation. Following closely are Riyadh with 21.7% and Hail with 19.2%.

One particularly eye-opening statistic is that 65% of all divorces occurred within the first year of marriage. This finding strongly suggests that many couples lack compatibility from the start, or are unprepared for the realities of married life.

Real-Life Cases: Love Turned Cold

Take, for instance, the cases of Fahad Al-Otaibi and Reem Al-Qahtani, whose marriages lasted less than six weeks. Both unions ended over misunderstandings, lack of shared responsibilities, and poor communication. In another case, Ahmed Al-Raythi’s honeymoon became a turning point, not for joy, but for separation. His wife expected a luxurious and highly curated lifestyle, while Ahmed desired a simpler, more grounded life. Their differences, which seemed manageable during courtship, became insurmountable after marriage.

These are not isolated stories — they reflect a growing number of couples who enter marriage with unrealistic expectations, often shaped by social media, peer pressure, and idealized romantic fantasies.

Sociologist Insights: The Root Causes

Prominent Saudi sociologist Dr. Ahmed Al-Najjar has weighed in on the alarming trend. He attributes the rise in divorces to a combination of social, economic, and psychological factors:

1. Excessive Wedding Expenses:
Lavish weddings often leave couples (or their families) in significant debt. Once the celebrations are over, financial strain takes a toll on the relationship.


2. Immature Decision-Making:
Many young couples rush into marriage without understanding the long-term responsibilities that come with it. Dr. Al-Najjar warns that emotional impulsivity is replacing thoughtful compatibility assessments.


3. Superficial Relationships:
Pre-marital interactions, often limited or virtual, don’t provide a deep understanding of the partner’s personality, values, or expectations.


4. Over-involvement of Families:
In many cases, extended family interference exacerbates even minor disagreements, especially in traditional households where parents may try to control the marriage.


5. Unrealistic Expectations:
A marriage is more than just a celebration. It demands emotional intelligence, communication skills, and mutual respect — qualities that Dr. Al-Najjar says are often underdeveloped.



> “Marriage is not just an event; it’s a lifetime partnership,” says Dr. Al-Najjar. “Without conscious effort, patience, and maturity, even the grandest wedding won’t survive the realities of everyday life.”



Culture Shift: From Romance to Reality

While arranged marriages still exist in Saudi Arabia, there has been a growing trend toward love marriages and self-selected partners, particularly in urban centers like Riyadh and Jeddah. However, this shift has not necessarily decreased divorce rates. In fact, romantic relationships formed without deep understanding may inflate emotional expectations, which later clash with the practical demands of cohabitation.

Another emerging challenge is the influence of social media culture. Instagram-perfect weddings, filtered photos of couple goals, and viral videos promoting luxury lifestyles have created false ideals. When real life fails to live up to those illusions, disappointment sets in fast.

Legal Developments and Women's Rights

Interestingly, Saudi Arabia has also made strides in women’s legal empowerment in recent years, including reforms that now allow women to be notified via SMS when they are officially divorced. This transparency has encouraged many women to stand up for their rights, but it has also contributed to a spike in mutual or initiated divorces by women, particularly when the marriage lacks respect or compatibility.

The Ministry of Justice reported over 350,000 divorce cases in one year alone, indicating that the issue is national in scale, not just regional.

What Can Be Done?

Experts suggest several long-term strategies to address this growing crisis:

Pre-marital counseling programs to educate couples on marital roles and expectations.

Promoting simpler wedding ceremonies to reduce financial pressure.

Encouraging family boundaries, ensuring that newlyweds have space to build their own dynamic.

Public awareness campaigns on mental and emotional maturity in marriage.

Legal initiatives to streamline conflict resolution and post-divorce counseling for both men and women.


Final Thoughts

The rising divorce rate in Saudi Arabia, particularly among young couples and newlyweds, is a wake-up call for both individuals and society. It highlights the urgent need for a cultural shift in how marriage is viewed — not as a social milestone or display of wealth, but as a meaningful, lifelong commitment.

As sociologists, religious leaders, and policymakers debate the root causes, one truth remains clear: a wedding can last one night, but a marriage demands a lifetime of patience, understanding, and effort.