Sharjah starts survey today on wedding costs among Emiratis
SHARJAH: The Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development ( DSCD) has announced the launch of a study titled “Atitudes of Sharjah nationals towards spending on marriage” to determine the costs of marriage, encompassing expenses related to pre-wedding events. The study, conducted through a comprehensive survey, will be undertaken in collaboration with the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) and the Institute of Humanities & Social Sciences at the University of Sharjah, and will gather information from Sharjah-based Emirati nationals in the 18 to 60 age group.
For a duration of four weeks starting Jan.25, DSCD will survey married and single citizens to uncover how couples are spending and celebrating on weddings in the emirate. As conventional traditions give way to more creative ways of tying the knot, the study will also measure the impact of these costs, including wedding loans, on the newlyweds and their families.
The study aims to provide accurate data and analysis of the culture of weddings amongst the Emirati community of Sharjah and identify the main elements influencing and escalating costs while also studying its impact on families. The results of the study will be shared with the competent authorities to take the necessary measures and actions.
DSCD will design the survey, undertake data collection, and generate the results, while the the Institute of Humanities & Social Sciences at the University of Sharjah will study the outcome and analyse the data according to well recognised scientific approaches. SCC will put forward recommendations and strategies that tie in with the goals of the study.
DSCD will collect data by conducting phone calls to the target audience by means of an electronic survey in its call centre.
Commenting on the project Sheikh Mohamed Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of DSCD said, “This study has immense importance as it will give us clear indicators about the prevailing culture of spending on weddings which, in turn, will assist the competent authorities in formulating awareness and educational programmes on savings, and instil a culture of rationalised spending on weddings in the future. Furthermore, the study will lay the foundation for similar studies in future.”
The chairman added that DSCD will provide accurate statistics through its cadre of qualified personnel in accordance with the highest data collection standards and present it to the relevant government authority to beter serve the needs of the community.
He urged citizens to take part in the study and assist the department by providing accurate and comprehensive information that will help DSCD atain the goals of the study. He assured that all the information shared would remain confidential.
Commenting on the launch of the study, Ali Mehd Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of SCC, said the study is the latest in a series of initiatives by SCC that is aimed at understanding the views and opinions of the community on important social issues that impact Emirati society.
He stated that the joint study would help identify citizens’ views and atitudes towards expenditure on wedding ceremonies and will inform awareness campaigns to cut down on extravagant celebrations to assist in building a cohesive and debt-free Emirati society.
He noted that the rising cost of wedding celebrations is a serious issue forcing youth to defer or delay marriage, and may lead to stress, family problems, divorce, and higher rates of marriage with non-citizens. He added that through the study, SCC will work on educating citizens on the need to restrict extravagant celebrations, the importance of geting married at the right age and encouraging institutional intervention, including monitoring of wedding caterers.
For his part, Prof. Hamid Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, commended DSCD’S vast experience in conducting surveys in various fields. He added that Sharjah University utilises advanced statistical tools and methods for analysing data and information collected from surveys to inform initiatives that benefit the Emirati community.
He added: “We are keen on studying and analysing social issues to help decision-makers and institutions address them successfully to ensure comprehensive social development.”