The lowest dowry paid in Dubai in 2011 was...

In what will be deemed the first initiative of its kind, Director General of Dubai Courts Ahmed Saeed bin Hazim has honoured the couple who got married with one dirham, the least registered dowry last year.

The move, which was in coordination between Dubai Courts' Club and the Department of Personal Status at the Dubai Courts, aims at reducing the dowries and other related demands.

Mohammed Abdul Rahman, Head of the Executive Committee of the Dubai Courts' Club said the initiative of "The Least Dowry" is intended to honour the couple who got married last year with the least dowry in order to create awareness on the reduction of dowries and ease burden on marriage candidates.

He added that the dowry problem has become a disturbing phenomenon for many families who find themselves forced to incur high costs of the wedding ceremonies. Abdul Rahman called for parents not to pay excess costs for the wedding ceremonies and concerts.

He said the marriage officers registered the least dowry of one dirham and Dhs50,000, being the highest specified limit in accordance with the directives by Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on the specification of the dowries after the phenomenon of excess dowry had become an obstacle for marriage among young people.

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