Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, got married to Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. Also watch: Sheikh Hamdan's wedding ceremony The young princess' siblings and other members of the royal family took to social media to congratulate the couple- after their Al Akhd ceremony on September 19, 2019. Sheikh Khaled is a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family. Sheikha Maryam's elder sister, Sheikha Latifa had posted this picture congratulating the couple on their Al Akhd ceremony: As part of the wedding celebrations, the ceremony involves the signing of the official marriage contract. A holy recitation is then followed by the men performing a traditional Emirati dance. Long-time of the Al Maktoum family, Mama Noora, also wished the couple on Instagram:
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed also congratulated the couple on their Al Akhd ceremony: Sheikha Maryam got engaged last year in August, with members of the royal family congratulating her on social media.
What are Emirati weddings like? > First, the engagement takes place. The two families can have an engagement party if they wish. > The marriage contract is signed by the groom and bride through a court, an imam or a sheikh. This means they are legally and Islamically married. According to Emirati culture, however, the bride does not move in with the groom until after the official wedding ceremony. > The henna night takes place, where the bride, her family and friends get together to do henna, enjoy performances, dance and celebrate. > The official wedding ceremony takes place, with separate celebrations for men and women. They may do the celebration at the same venue in two different halls, or at two different venues. > The male can join the female side of the celebration later into the night, once only the main family members and friends remain at the venue. This is when the groom and bride cut the cake and drink either juice or a rose-water syrup drink together. (More details here) yousufk@khaleejtimes.com