Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, the Al Nahda Women’s Association in Dubai celebrated the second heritage group wedding for women at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This initiative is organized annually by the association, represented by the Al Nahda Consulting and Training Centre, as part of the "Zafat Harair" initiative that the centre adopts. This heritage group wedding is the first of its kind in the Emirates.
The organization of the wedding, which celebrated "14" brides and grooms, was guided and blessed by Sheikha Amina bint Hamid Al Tayer, President of the Al Nahda Women’s Association in Dubai, supporting the eighth principle of the Year of the Fifty—which promotes the preservation of values, culture, and national identity—aligning with Dubai's social agenda 33. This event is one of the services provided by the Al Nahda Women’s Association, aimed at enhancing national identity and cementing authentic customs and traditions related to marriage.
The concept involved preparing a complete heritage wedding, from the bride's preparations and the procession to the venue and special guests. The wedding hall featured designs inspired by the palm tree and the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's love for the palm tree, which is intertwined with the heritage and environment of the UAE. The wedding was adorned with traditional themes and customs specific to Emirati society.
Khawla Al Nabooda, Supervisor of the Al Nahda Consulting and Training Centre and a member of the board of the Al Nahda Women’s Association, stated that organizing group weddings is a valuable tradition in Emirati society, enhancing a sense of belonging and loyalty among youth towards their homeland, aiming to build promising generations.
On her part, Afraa Al Hay, Director of the Al Nahda Consulting and Training Centre, remarked, "This year will witness the wedding of fifty young men and women in three weddings, God willing. Organizing the wedding aligns with the approach established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and is in harmony with the country's efforts to avoid extravagance in wedding expenses and to form stable Emirati families free from debt."
The wedding was sponsored by Al Ansari Exchange, the Bayt Al Khair Association, the Dubai Police Advisory Council, Dubai Islamic Bank, Al Aseel Printing Press, Bahoila Foundation, Dubai Taxi, Leily Event Organizing, Dubai Police - General Department of Security of Facilities and Emergencies, Dubai Police Happiness Program, Salem Al Shaibi Jewelry, Foghah Perfumes, the Hospitality Ceremony, Haifa for Wedding Tents, Designer Sheikha Al Ghaithi, Tahrerum Charitable Foundation, Dubai Awqaf, Marasim, Selour Restaurant and Sweets (Al Garhoud branch), BHPC Beauty Center, and Al Jash Perfumes, House of Sheikha.
