Starting Over: The Emotional, Social, and Economic Realities of Divorced Women in Abu Dhabi

Divorce represents a significant life transition with profound implications for emotional well-being, social stability, and economic security. This study examines the emotional, social, and economic realities of divorced women in Abu Dhabi, focusing on four major post-divorce challenges: financial insecurity, emotional distress, co-parenting difficulties, and struggles in forming new relationships. Utilizing data from the 5th Cycle Quality of Life Survey, this research explores how these challenges impact key well-being indicators, including life satisfaction, subjective health, mental well-being, social trust, and economic stability. The findings reveal that financial insecurity emerged as the most significant post-divorce struggle, with divorced women experiencing lower life satisfaction, increased stress, and greater financial instability, particularly among older individuals and those without a college degree. Co-parenting challenges were most pronounced among middle-aged women (35-49 years old), reflecting the complexities of managing childcare and legal custody post-divorce. Non-Emirati women were disproportionately affected by financial pressures, likely due to reduced access to social safety nets, while Emirati women reported higher stress related to co-parenting responsibilities. Social reintegration challenges were also evident, with women facing emotional distress and difficulty in forming new relationships reporting reduced social trust and increased reliance on digital platforms for engagement. Additionally, religious practices emerged as a coping mechanism, particularly among those struggling with social stigma and isolation. These findings highlight the multidimensional impact of divorce on women's well-being and underscore the need for targeted policy interventions, including financial assistance programs, mental health support, co-parenting resources, and social reintegration initiatives. By addressing these key challenges, policymakers can better support divorced women in achieving long-term stability and well-being.