This is a guest post.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the Middle East’s most popular destinations. This popularity is not only limited to travel or business, but also expands to healthcare, education and destination weddings, too. One of the biggest reasons that the UAE is such a desirable destination for weddings is due to the flexible, straightforward UAE Visit Visa procedures. Before visiting the United Arab Emirates for your unforgettable wedding ceremony, it’s essential that you get a valid visit visa. For more information, check our UAE Visit Visa Guide or the UK government website.
For the past 10 years, the UAE has been recognised as an outstanding performer in almost everything it does as a destination. It’s no wonder that it’s fast-becoming a favourite place for destination weddings, too!
Located on the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE consists of seven ‘Sheikdoms’ (Emirates), of which the Emirate of Dubai is by far the most well-known, home to numerous desirable venues for all kinds of destination weddings. Dubai is easily accessible from just about any part of the world, due to its convenient location between Asia, Africa and Europe. If you’ve got your heart set on getting married underneath the Arabian skies, read on to discover a number of desirable venues that tick all the right boxes in terms of look, ambience, and service.
Wedding in UAE: quick facts
- A one-of-a-kind, high-end wedding destination with options for all budgets
- The best period to hold a wedding is between October and May.
- Due to strict alcohol licensing rules, 99% of weddings take place in a hotel or resort.
- For non-UAE residents, a wedding blessing or symbolic ceremony is a popular choice.
- Outstanding client service standards
- Regardless of culture or religion, you’ll be able to conduct your marriage ceremony with ease here
Legal requirements for getting married in Dubai and the UAE
The UAE provides a variety of wedding alternatives, but depending on your country and residency status, getting married in Dubai can either be simple and stress-free, or time-consuming and complicated. Certain requirements must be completed, and documents must be presented according to a precise protocol and timetable.
If you’re not able to fulfil the required criteria, a popular alternative is to marry in your native country, before travelling to Dubai for a honeymoon or, dependent on your culture and/or religion, a symbolic celebration or blessing.
Top hotel venues for a UAE wedding
1. Madinat Jumeirah
Where: Dubai, UAE
This opulent location, situated on a stretch of private beach, is home to leading hotels and resorts like Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, and Jumeirah Al Naseem, as well as beachside hotspots, and over 50 restaurants and bars. A wedding held here will undoubtedly be an unforgettable one!
2. Park Hyatt
Where: Dubai, UAE
This 223-room villa, located on the banks of the Dubai Creek at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, offers the perfect backdrop for exchanging your vows. With numerous planted patios, terraces, and gardens this place is so beautiful, it really looks like it belongs on a postcard.
3. Al Maha Desert Resort
Where: Dubai, UAE
Take your vows in the heart of the UAE’s gorgeous deserts, at the Al Maha Desert Resort. This is the ideal location for a private outdoor ceremony, with a beautiful desert backdrop.
The resort’s design is primarily influenced by Bedouin culture, giving it an off-the-beaten-path feel. Guests will also have the opportunity to watch falconry demonstrations, as well as taking part in dune sports and camel excursions – all of which are 100% local!
Although the desert provides an incredible backdrop for any weeding, the Majlis Boardroom is an populr choice for up to 120 guests, whether you’re looking to host pre-wedding drinks and canapés, or a post-ceremony banquet.
4. Hotel Taj Dubai
Where: Dubai, UAE
Taj Dubai would be the ideal location for a destination wedding against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa. This venue not only boasts stunning scenery, but also has all of the finishing touches required for the ultimate fairytale wedding.
The decor and rooms here are an eclectic mix of vivid contemporary and ancestral art, influenced by Indian culture. Depending on the size of your guestlist, you can choose to welcome your guests into the Opera Ballroom, or opt for one of the smaller ballrooms at the hotel instead.
5. The Ritz-Carlton
Where: Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Ritz-Carlton is regarded as one of the most economical wedding venues in Abu Dhabi, offering outstanding value for money. With 530 rooms, you can indulge in a spot of Middle Eastern ambience at this luxury waterfront sanctuary, complete with its very own private beach.
What’s even more impressive is the picturesque backdrop that the beachfront setting, lush scenery, grassy lawns, and traditional ornamentation provide for any type of wedding. To add to this further, you can arrange trendy and modern signage displays, like your last name wedding hashtags. Undoubtedly, this is bound to leave a lasting impression on your guests!
This magnificent property has so many special features, from its wide lawn and olive groves, to the al fresco patio, and even a helipad. Your only dilemma could be deciding exactly what to do here! That’s before we even think about the outstanding customer service, which makes this hotel one of the top wedding venues for a destination wedding in UAE.
6. Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah
Where: Ajman , UAE
This venue is known not only for its excellent service, but also for its phenomenal quality. Apart from boasting spectacular architecture that’ll create a lasting impression on your wedding guests, there are a variety of places where you can hold your wedding here, from the sun terrace and the pool, to the luxury Grand Hall.
Nothing beats saying ‘I do’ in this heavenly refuge, set within 247 acres of protected mangroves, complemented by pristine white sand beaches and lagoons.
7. Intercontinental Fujairah Resort
Where: Fujairah, UAE
Based in the UAE city of Fujairah, this 190-room resort with private beach, nestled against the Hajar Mountains, is just a 90-minute drive from Dubai airport.
The hotel is ideal for all sizes of wedding, from a small private ceremony, to a large celebration. It is currently fully operational, and can accommodate up to 650 people.
8. Bab Al Shams
Where: Dubai, UAE
This resort, located in the desert near Al Qudra Lake, is the ideal location for an out-of-the-ordinary wedding, away from the commotion of the city. One of the most popular choices for brides and grooms is a celebration under the stars, which adds an unrivalled, mystical touch to the festivities.
Take your pick from a variety of modest and beautiful regions and experiences, each with their own unique blend of natural beauty and Arab sophistication. Some of the most popular options include the Masala Courtyard (an al fresco venue), the Falcon Courtyard (with an ancient, rustic feel), and others.
Location: Oman
If you want your wedding to resemble an Arabian fairytale, then you need to be considering Oman. The country is rich with heritage, culture and beauty, giving you numerous options to explore even after your wedding celebrations have finished.
9. Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
Where: Muscat, Oman
A magnificent seaside property with a magical backdrop for an altar, surrounded by steep mountains, this hotel’s 460 rooms are divided into two wings.
The estate’s natural beauty is matched by its amenities. This hotel has not one, not two, but six different swimming pools, so you’ll have plenty of options for relaxing in between events.
Location: Bahrain
Bahrain is slowly gaining fame as a top location for destination weddings in the Middle East. If you plan on hosting your wedding here and going all out, this is a venue you must consider.
10. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
Where: Manama, Bahrain
Bahrain’s capital, Manama boasts a wedding-worthy hotel complete with 273 rooms. Couples can pick from the property’s lawns, ballrooms, and terraces for their wedding venue, promising Instagrammable vistas of the Arabian Gulf and Manama skyline.
You might need to wait until Bahraini officials allow weddings to resume if you’ve got your heart set on getting wed here, however. At the moment, each location is equipped with enhanced ‘Lead With Care’ guidelines, ensuring your guests’ safety. If you’re all about having gorgeous photographs that you can reminisce about even years after the big day, then this hotel and resort may be well worth the wait for your dream wedding.
Robeena Brown is a travel blogger & destination expert living in UAE, working for local tourism companies like Arabiers. If you’ve been looking forward to touring Dubai, getting a visa and/or extending stays and exploring the city, you can follow her on social media.
This is a guest post.