Dubai lights up for the upcoming royal wedding
By Sarwat Nasir
Published: Sun 2 Jun 2019, 10:20 PM
Last updated: Mon 3 Jun 2019, 9:07 AM
Dubai's previous royal weddings have been nothing less than spectacular, with show-stopping cakes, performances, decor, an impressive guest list, and jaw-dropping wedding gowns.
Now, just imagine what the upcoming wedding ceremony for the three sons of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will be like.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and two of his brothers are set to have a grand wedding ceremony at Dubai World Trade Centre on June 6, which coincides with Eid Al Fitr celebrations.
Even though the ceremony is off limits to the general public, Khaleej Times has spoken to some Emiratis on the guest list who shared what they were expecting at the royal celebration.
"There will be thousands of guests who will be attending. It's happening at 4pm, so there will be tea, coffee and lots of desserts that will be served - mostly Omani halwa and baklava, among other Arabic sweets," said an Emirati doctor, who chose to remain anonymous.
"There will be many royals who have been invited, especially royals from the GCC region who will come and congratulate Sheikh Mohammed and his sons."
The ceremony at the World Trade Centre is for the grooms' celebration. In Emirati culture, women and men celebrate in separate venues.
"The celebration on the bride's side is usually grander and has a lot more going on. The groom can join the bride's celebration when only the closest families and friends are remaining at the venue. The bride is never taken to the venue where the groom is having the celebration," the doctor said.
Ramesh Shukla is an Indian photographer who has captured previous royal weddings, including the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum's wedding in 1970.
Shukla said: "This wedding will be different from previous royal weddings, I think. There used to be celebrations for five to seven days. There used to be a huge programme, with dancing going on. It was very public back then, people could come in and give congratulations. Now, it's very private. I was there at Sheikh Mohammed's wedding in 1979 as well, and that was a great programme. This one will also be very big."
An Emirati photographer, Huda bin Redha, said her father has been invited to Sheikh Hamdan and his brothers' wedding celebration. Her mother has also attended royal weddings before, specifically the celebrations taking place at the bride's side.
Khaleej Times earlier reported that the Dubai Palace has been lit up as the dates for the royal wedding were announced. Videos and photos were going viral on social media. Bin Redha said Emiratis decorate their house with lights to let their neighbourhood and community know that someone in their home is getting married.
"The ceremony is going to be grand because there'll be a lot of leaders, dignitaries and royals that will be attending," she said.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com