CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGES IN THE UNITED-ARAB-EMIRATES

This study examines the frequency of consanguineous marriage and the c oefficient of inbreeding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study was conducted in Al Ain and Dubai cities between October 1994 and Marc h 1995. A sample of 2033 married UAE females aged 15 years and over pa rticipated. The degree of consanguinity between each female and her sp ouse, and the degree of consanguinity between their parents were recor ded. The rate of consanguinity in the present generation was high (50. 5%) with a coefficient of inbreeding of 0.0222. The commonest type of consanguineous marriage was between first cousins (26.2%). Double firs t cousin marriages were common (3.5%) compared to other populations. T he consanguinity rate in the UAE has increased from 39% to 50.5% in on e generation. The level of consanguinity was higher in Al Ain (54.2%) than in Dubai (40%).