Divorce rules in Muslim countries have always been more relaxed than in Christian ones. It has only been as Christian countries have become more secular and multi-cultural that divorce rules have relaxed. In countries in which the Christian religious establishment still has a strong hold, such as Ireland, divorce laws remain pretty strict--in fact illegal until relatively recently.

If it follows the pattern of other prosperous nations, my guess is that the divorce rate in Qatar is a result of

1. Increased education and earning power of women--i.e. they are less financial independent on their husbands.

2. General increase in prosperity, which means less people must stay in marriage for financial reasons.

3. As more people get divorced the stigma reduces.

4. Having children is delayed in newly married couples while the wife pursues her career. The provides a window in which ill-suited couples can divorce without worrying about what it will mean for the children.

I am sure, of course, there are plenty of factors peculiar to the nationality and ethnicity of those involved, as is the case in any region.