First off, apologies for going a bit missing in action — but what better way to return than by sharing a beautiful story from here in Abu Dhabi, where we’ve been living since May.
Life here has been a whirlwind of new experiences, and I’ve been meaning to share more with you all. So, to start, I thought I’d tell you about my first Emirati wedding, which I was lucky enough to be invited to.
Setting the Scene: A Luxurious and Unique Atmosphere
I arrived at the newly renovated Arzanah Ballroom at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, and was immediately struck by how opulent the venue was. It was an elegant blend of modern and traditional, with gold accents and massive chandeliers. The women’s side of the celebration was in a beautifully separate space, a world of its own where the elegance truly stood out. Everyone was dressed in vibrant, dazzling attire – you couldn’t help but notice the intricate details of the gowns, jewellery, and the beautiful hair and makeup.
On arrival all guests were instructed to place their phones in secure bags to ensure everyone was fully present in the moment – a refreshing experience of being disconnected from technology and immersed in the celebration.
The Celebrations and the Food
As the night went on, the food and drinks kept coming! There were so many delicious sweets and drinks. We had luqaimat, fried balls of dough drizzled with syrup – they were so addictive! The menu also included coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices, mocktails, and of course, amongst other delicious traditional Emirati options, a flavourful biryani for dinner. It was a true feast, and every table had attendants who constantly served us coffee, tea, dates, light bites, and sweets throughout the night.
In Emirati weddings, it’s common for guests to bring along friends, and it’s actually welcomed as an opportunity for cultural exchange. It’s a beautiful way to share their traditions with others and make everyone feel included.
The Ceremony and the Bride’s Entrance
While the ladies enjoyed lots of dancing throughout the night, the real magic began when the announcement was made: “The bride is arriving!” The entire room fell into a hushed excitement, and as the women covered themselves with their abayas and shaylas.
I turned toward the back, and there she was – the bride, escorted by her new groom. She looked absolutely stunning in a traditional ‘princess’ style ball-gown. The skirt was so large and layered, it must have taken her forever to get into and she walked very slowly while the bridal assistants adjusted her dress to make sure it was perfect every step of the way.
When she finally reached the stage, her female family members and closest friends gathered around her, taking photos and enjoying the moment. More dancing followed, and everyone was so engaged in celebrating.
A Beautiful Cultural Experience
What struck me the most, aside from the beauty of the ceremony, was how much emphasis there was on family. Emirati weddings are full of deep traditions, where both sides of the family celebrate separately, but the shared joy is universal. It’s such a unique way to experience love and community, and I left the event feeling so grateful to be part of it.
I’m looking forward to sharing more of my experiences here in the UAE, and I’ll do my best to keep up with updates from the past year as well.
Our Awesome Adventures 