 According to statistical figures, the number of Emiratis (UAE nationals) marrying foreigners has risen by 10 percent in just four years.Officials blame the rising cost of dowries and wedding ceremonies as the prime reason that persuades local men to seek foreign wives, who cost much less to marry; the price of marrying native brides has risen to more than $500,000.The concept of mixed marriages is viewed by some as a risk for the demographics of the country's small and undersized local population which numbers below 1 million.