UAE erupts in joy at Dubai's royal wedding reception

The Happiness Street of Dubai witnessed what we can call the 'happiest event of the century' on Thursday - wedding reception of three sons of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. 
The reception for the wedding of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the region's largest events venue.
The reception was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi of Sharjah, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi of Fujairah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla of Umm Al Quwain and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah.
Also present were Crown Princes, Sheikhs, ministers, a large number of dignitaries, state and senior officials, tribal chieftains, businessmen, entrepreneurs and heads of top international and Arab companies operating in the UAE.
Although there were no road blocks and diversions around the venue, a fleet of around 100 Dubai Police cars could be seen parked at the open air parking next to the Zabeel Halls 4,5 and 6. Several roads leading to the DWTC, including Al Khail Road had signboards in white and golden colour put up directing the invitees towards the venue. 'Afrah Al Maktoum' banners ( means Al Maktoum weddings) were put up all around the DWTC that began getting busier and busier after 3pm as royal guests arrived in huge numbers.
Even before the wedding celebrations began - at 4pm - a troupe comprising 75 Emirati traditional dancers and singers (men), who came all the way from Al Ain, performed the Ayala dance outside the venue to welcome the guests. According to sources, around 20,000 guests arrived at the wedding - some even by limousines and choppers. Guests were coming in batches, congratulating the royal grooms and leaving.
Consul-General of India Vipul, who was among the invitees, told Khaleej Times: "It is a very happy occasion for Dubai and on behalf of the consulate and all Indians, I would like to congratulate the royal couples. I, as the Consul-General of India, hope that the relations between India and the UAE continue to prosper under the guidance of the royal family of Dubai."
Pakistan's Consul-General to the UAE, Ahmed Amjad Ali, said: "We had all been given a fixed time and we lined up to greet the grooms. We presented our greetings and congratulated them. May Allah give health and wealth to the newly weds."
From the preparations to the wedding day itself, everything has been a guarded secret, away from the public and media. Social media went into a tizzy with congratulatory messages for the royal grooms and hashtags #Mohammedbinrshid, #AfrahAlMaktoum were trending on Twitter.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also wrote a poem marking the celebration of his sons' weddings titled 'Night of the Emirates Joys and Tunes'. In the poem, he expresses his joy as a father seeing his children grow up to become honourable, noble and generous men. Dubai Ruler also advised his sons to be united and stand together in one hand.
The brides of the royal princes are all from Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family. Sheikh Hamdan, 36, married Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed, Sheikh Maktoum, 35, married Sheikha Maryam bint Butti, and Sheikh Ahmed, 32, married Sheikha Midya bint Dalmouj. While the wedding celebrations for men were held at DWTC, sources said the women hosted their get-together at a separate venue. 
saman@khaleejtimes.com