In a move that I can only understand as a vote of no-confidence in the current legal system, the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry has announced a research competition into the issues of divorce and child custody. Arab News reports that the competition is intended to come up with new, authoritative views on the issues, both of which cause pain and consternation among Saudis—not to mention foreigners married to Saudis. Where this will lead is unclear, however, as there does not seem to be any sort of buy-in from the clerics and religious judges at this point, though the Ministry of Social Affairs is giving some level of approval to the project.

Competition Planned to Spur Research on Divorce and Custody
Hassna’a Mokhtar, Arab News

JEDDAH, 13 May 2008 — In an attempt to increase public’s awareness about divorce and custody issues, the Center for Law and Arbitration, a subdivision of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), is launching today a competition entitled “Research in Saudi Divorce Initiative.”

Journalist Haifa Khaled, who began her website “Saudi divorce initiative” — www.saudidivorce.org — on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day, is working with the JCCI in organizing the competition. She told Arab News that the initiative stemmed from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s call for social reform and the new legal system approved by a royal decree seven months ago.

She also called for a civil status law to put an end to difficulties faced by divorced women.

“This competition is open for everyone and in any field. The contest is for people to research divorce issues and increase the public’s awareness regarding divorcees’ rights and custody concerns,” she said.
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