Weddings are the celebration of traditions. And these traditions are implemented differently in each culture. The United Arab Emirates is a rich and famous country where weddings are celebrated in a very lavish manner. Their weddings display the cultural extravagance in the best way.
The marriages in the UAE are conducted by special Islamic laws and highly influenced by local traditions. Let us give you a sneak peek into the customs and rituals of an Emirati wedding.
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The Beginning of UAE Wedding Traditions
In the UAE, the traditional wedding celebration lasts for 7 days and starts with the marriage proposal ceremony called Al Khoutha. In this ceremony, the groom’s father asks for the bride’s hand from her father, which is later followed by a marriage contract agreement called Al Akhd.
Once the wedding date is fixed, the bride rests at home for 40 days before the wedding. During this entire time frame, she is pampered by her family members with healthy food. Her entire body is smeared with traditional oils and perfumes from head to toe and her hair is cleansed with flower extracts to nourish them. All these activities are performed to help the bride look beautiful and graceful on her wedding day.
The groom presents the bride with perfumes, jewelry, silk materials and other important items before the wedding, from which she creates her extravagant wedding dress, which is called Addahbia.
Mehendi Function in Weddings in UAE
A bridal shower also called Henna night is organized 2-3 days before the actual wedding day where all the bride’s female friends and relatives are invited to enjoy a night of music, dance, and lip-smacking food. All the guests in the room bless the bride with gifts like jewelry, expensive dresses, and money. Perfumes in UAE are considered a great gift for the newlyweds. The women dance and celebrate with the bride, the henna artist decorates the hands and feet of the bride with beautiful designs.
Flowers play an important role in the UAE wedding as they enhance the beauty of every custom and tradition. Be it flower decor or gifting, fresh flowers boast happy vibes and add liveliness to the event with vibrant colours and aromas. In UAE weddings, the use of flowers stands of utmost importance during various ceremonies, starting from the bridal shower to the D-day.Services like flower delivery in Dubai & UAE ensure that the freshest blooms are available to elevate these special moments.
Pre-Wedding Festivities: A Celebration of Song and Sweets
The journey to ‘Qubool Hai’ begins with vibrant pre-wedding celebrations. The bride’s henna night, known as Al Henna is a joyous affair filled with the fragrant aroma of henna and the rhythmic beats of traditional music.
Guests enjoy traditional Emirati sweets like Luqaimat, Kunafa and Baklava. As the henna artist skillfully paints gorgeous designs on the bride’s hands and feet, the air hums with traditional songs and blessings for the bride-to-be.
One of the popular Emirati wedding traditions is the groom’s celebratory procession, the Zaffa. Accompanied by a lively drumbeat and mesmerizing sword dances, the groom and his entourage make their way to the wedding venue, creating a spectacle of energy and excitement.
Ceremonies of the Weddings in the UAE
On the actual wedding day, the religious ceremony of nikah takes place in the presence of the family. During this ceremony, a religious figure called Maulvi or Qazi officially marries the couple. After the ceremony, the celebrations of weddings in the UAE start with a great feast.
Gifts & Attire: Symbols of Respect and Elegance
Emirati weddings are steeped in symbolism, with traditional gifts holding special significance. The groom presents the bride’s family with a dowry, known as Al Mahr, a gesture of respect and a promise to provide financial security for his future wife.
The wedding day sees the bride adorned in a magnificent white or gold Abaya, a flowing robe adorned with heavy embroidery. On the other hand, the groom complements his bride in a crisp white Kandura, a traditional ankle-length garment that is often layered with a black ‘Bisht’ cloak for a touch of formality.
As they say, you can never leave an Emirati wedding feeling hungry. Apart from dancing and celebrations, mouthwatering cuisines are served at weddings in the UAE. You can also relish wedding cakes at Emirati weddings and they are to die for. The guests on arrival are served with coffee and dates followed by other desserts and delicious dishes.
Beyond Traditional Wedding Traditions in UAE
In Emirati weddings, there are separate ceremonies for men and women. The reason is so that the Muslim women who wear hijab can celebrate without worrying about being seen by unknown men at the party. Emirati weddings are the best occasions for women to show off their exclusive dresses and jewellery. The bride’s reception is all about dancing, lavish decorations, and enjoyment.
The men’s party also have their separate dancing and enjoyment sessions. They wear a traditional simple white dress called kandoura. According to the traditional dance form, men stand in a line holding a thin gold cane in one hand. Also, sometimes the men at the front and end of the line carry a small rifle and then they all dance to Emirati music tunes.
Beyond the Wedding Day: Blessings and New Beginnings
The newlyweds embark on a series of visits to family and friends, receiving blessings and well wishes for a happy and prosperous life together. Some couples may also choose to hold a special ceremony called “Walima,” a joyous occasion marking the official beginning of their married life.
All in all, Emirati weddings are a beautiful mix of tradition, music and joyous celebrations. Be it the intricate rituals or the symbolic attire, the traditions and rituals focus on building a forever memory for the couple.
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