He also said the ministry would launch an alimony fund for divorcees.

The minister, who was addressing a forum on family disputes and Shariah courts at King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh, said many of these problems were settled by reconciliation offices in courts.

He said family problems in some courts accounted for 60 percent of the total number of cases. However, due to the activation of reconciliation offices and support given by social institutions, the rates of divorce fell considerably in some major cities such as Riyadh.

He stressed the importance of reconciliation offices as they address the roots of problems, mediate disputes and therefore restore intimacy between families.

“We have to look into these issues from academic and scientific perspectives and switch between practical vision and field surveys,” the minister said.

He said the ministry had, among other things, proposed a reconciliation and arbitration project that is now under thorough review by regulatory offices.

On forms of cooperation with other governmental departments, he said the ministry has signed a partnership deal with the Ministry of Social Affairs and plans to sign similar deals with Princess Nora bint Abdurrahman University, the Ministry of Education, and the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia). These bodies have specific capabilities that could benefit reconciliation offices, he said.

The forum comes in the framework of the progressive stages of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s project aimed at the development of judiciary offices, he said. The forum plans to come up with effective recommendations that could be practically applied rather sticking to theories, he noted.

Chairman of the Board of Grievances Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Nasser stressed the importance of preventive actions to ensure family disputes were resolved before they become court cases. These measures can solve many problems as they are tackled through the spirit of fraternity, tolerance and heartfelt acceptance, he said.

Family problems are especially important as they emerge between the closest members of the family such as husband and wife, father and son, or brothers and could lead to bitterness and violence, he said.

Haia chief Abdul Latif Al-Asheikh highlighted the efforts undertaken by his staff in solving many family problems before they escalate.

Chief of the Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution Sheikh Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Abdullah stressed the importance of forums on family life, which he said is an important requirement in serving a fundamental pillar in the community. He said the organization of such forums falls within the role of the Justice Ministry to achieve family stability.

Chairman of the forum’s scientific committee Nasser bin Saleh Al-Oud said family issues account for 40 to 60 percent of the total cases heard at the courts.

Such forums will boost social programs at the Ministry of Justice, especially the establishment of social service offices in the courts and projects to encourage reconciliation and compromise, which will hopefully contribute to minimizing family problems, he said.

President of the Saudi Society for Social Studies Abdul Aziz Al-Dakhil dealt with the outcomes of cooperation between the society and the ministry, which culminated in the organization of several forums related to social affairs.