Before exchanging vows, an increasing number of couples in the UAE are opting for premarital counseling to discuss crucial topics such as communication, finances, and expectations. Once considered a Western trend, premarital counseling is gaining popularity locally. Experts suggest that it provides couples a clearer understanding and a stronger foundation for marriage.
Dr. Nashwa Tantawy, a psychologist and managing director at Nafsology Psychology Centre in Dubai, has observed a noticeable shift. “From a psychological standpoint, premarital counseling is one of the most crucial decisions a couple can make to transition into married life smoothly,” she stated.
“The difference between couples who undergo counseling and those who don’t is significant. It impacts expectations, decision-making clarity, financial duties, parenting, and even intimacy.”
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Traditionally, couples only sought therapy when issues became overwhelming. “It used to be seen as a last resort,” Dr. Tantawy explained. “Now, more couples use it as a preventive measure to avoid future conflicts and uncertainty.”
Dr. Nashwa Tantawy
Inside the Sessions
At Nafsology, premarital counseling usually involves a structured program of about five sessions, covering key areas like communication skills, conflict management, financial planning, responsibilities, relationships with in-laws, and intimacy. Couples also learn to maintain individuality while building a shared future.
A major challenge is hesitation. “Sometimes one partner is initially unconvinced and attends to support the other,” said Dr. Tantawy. “But as the sessions progress, they often engage more, opening up about fears and expectations, and leave feeling more connected as a couple.”
Questions Couples Have
Sangeeta Manglani, a Dubai-based relationship coach and psychologist, likens premarital counseling to a roadmap before beginning the journey. In her practice, couples frequently ask about finances, family roles, and intimacy.
“They want to know how to handle conflict without damaging the relationship and how to stay connected without losing their individuality,” she explained.
Sangeeta Manglani
Manglani noted that couples increasingly understand that love alone isn’t sufficient. “They realize that skills, awareness, and tools are necessary. Rising divorce rates have made many proactive about preparing for marriage.”
For many, premarital counseling is still new. Mahra (name changed), a newlywed in Dubai, wishes she had attended sessions before marrying. “Even when you know your partner well, marriage presents new challenges,” she said. “You discover differences in habits, expectations, and conflict resolution approaches you hadn’t faced before. Pre-marriage counseling could have provided tools to navigate these changes smoothly.”
She added that such sessions might have helped them communicate better and establish clearer expectations from the start. “It’s not about doubting your love or compatibility,” Mahra said. “It’s about preparing for the real-life transition of living together, sharing responsibilities, and planning your future as a team.”
Preventing Problems Early
Experts agree that premarital counseling doesn’t guarantee a perfect marriage but equips couples with skills to handle challenges. “Most divorces don’t occur because love fades,” Manglani explained. “They happen because couples lack skills to manage conflicts, expectations, or stress together. Counseling helps build resilience from the beginning.”
In the UAE’s diverse cultural environment, where family systems and expectations can vary widely, professionals say preparation is even more valuable.
Dr. Tantawy believes that widespread adoption of counseling could prevent many conflicts before they arise. “I’ve had clients, years into marriage, express regret for not learning these techniques earlier. It could have spared them years of struggle.”
