A survey published by the Ministry of Justice shows that 774 divorce cases were registered in the Eastern Province in a three-month period, a dramatic increase from previous months.

The majority of cases were registered at Dammam’s public court, while Al-Ahsa registered a mere 46 cases thanks to the presence of family development centers and reconciliation offices in the area.

“Divorce rates peaked between December and January in the Eastern Province,” the survey said.

Fahd Al-Bakran, an official spokesperson at the Ministry of Justice, said that the ministry enhanced the role played by reconciliation offices in combating growing divorce rates, lawsuits and family disputes.

“In the short time they have been in operation, reconciliation offices have succeeded in resolving many issues by bridging views in their attempts to reach a common ground between conflicting spouses before the problems get to court,” Al-Bakran said.