Destination UAE is the region’s favourite haunt for weddings and it’s no surprise. From the rustic charm of Ras Al Khaimah and the beautiful desolation of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter to the glitziest urban resorts, the country has everything to offer.
The UAE is packed with luxury hospitality options and the market is competitive with new rooms being added every year, but here are our favourite five.
RITZ-CARLTON ABU DHABI
For those planning to celebrate their nuptials in summer, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal features an unforgettable combination of spectacular reception venues and unmatched service, style and breath taking scenery. Until August 31, the Venetian-inspired resort is offering attractive summer packages tailor-made to accommodate weddings of different sizes in the majestic Roma Ballroom. Choose between the Coral, Emerald and Sapphire packages.
The Coral Package is ideal for an intimate reception of 100 to 250 guests with either an exquisite premium buffet or a set menu. The package includes venue rental, elegant furniture with luxurious table and chair linen, along with a stage and dance floor. Newlyweds will spend the night in a stylishly appointed deluxe room followed by a sumptuous breakfast and a late check-out while indulging in romantic amenities and theme favours. Includes an invitation to celebrate the first wedding anniversary with a gourmet dinner in a signature restaurant and exclusive room rates for the guests attending the nuptials.
Additional benefits of the Emerald Package – designed for a reception of 250 to 500 guests – include an upgrade to a spacious Executive Suite and access to the Bridal Suite featuring a professional hair and make-up station, elegant dressing room and two lounges as well as the use of the welcome Majilis facilities on the night of the wedding.
For a large-scale wedding reception of up to 800 guests, the Sapphire Package combines the benefits of Coral and Emerald packages while offering the couple a choice of accommodations in premium suites for one and two nights as well as various first anniversary celebratory options available at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi.
PARK HYATT ABU DHABI
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas located on Saadiyat Island and along the sand beach, is a great place to tie the knot, offering breath-taking views of the Arabian Sea.
Guests will also have the chance to sample the hotel’s wedding menus and discuss their wishes directly with our chefs and sommelier. In collaboration with the Park Hyatt preferred vendors, the wedding couple can start planning their special day, from the design of the invitations to the selection of their honeymoon destination. The event will be complemented with a raffle draw and total makeover by the Atarmia Spa make-up artist and hairstylist.
As a special wedding gift, guests celebrating their wedding at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi can earn a complimentary night in the Presidential Suite and free nights for their honeymoon at any Hyatt Hotels & Resorts location worldwide.
THE AJMAN PALACE HOTEL
The Ajman Palace Hotel hosted the biggest hotel wedding exhibition in the Northern Emirates earlier this year. The two-day wedding fair brought together more than 50 leading brands and designers specialised in catering to high-end weddings.
Ferghal Purcell, general manager of The Ajman Palace Hotel, said: “The Ajman Palace Hotel is a prestigious address for weddings where luxury meets elegance. We have got the largest and most stunning ballroom and wedding facilities in the Northern Emirates. Luxury, exclusivity, comfort and privacy are assured as all bridal facilities have been designed to match the traditional Arabic culture and expectations. Private access for ladies and a separate lift for the bride that would take her to the reception straight from her exclusive make-up room are just some of the thoughtful touches.”
The beautiful Bridal Suite consists of a private room with plush white furniture, dressing area, separate make-up room, and a spacious living room furnished with large mirrors and elegant sofas. The suite boasts indulgent amenities for the bride and her family to feel relaxed and comfortable.
THE AJMAN PALACE HOTEL
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect opulent escape from the hustle and bustle of urban UAE cradled by the Hajar Mountains, a championship golf course, white sandy beaches and the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. The hotel is an hour’s drive from Dubai International Airport and brings True Waldorf Service to one of the most alluring beach front locations in the Middle East.
Ras Al Khaimah is the destination of choice for adventure, nature and tranquillity. This rising emirate boasts beautiful and dramatic mountains, azure blue sea with white beaches, red sandy deserts and lush green plains indented by a series of creeks and lagoons. Ras Al Khaimah has a rich heritage, dating back over 5,000 years which manifests in numerous historical sites, forts and abandoned villages and renowned for exceptional pearls.
ONE & ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE, DUBAI
Though certainly not the newest property in the emirate of Dubai, One & Only Royal Mirage is one of the most romantic and intimate spa resorts. It caters to the most opulent of affairs on the shores of the Gulf, overlooking the Palm Island bay, with intricate arches, domes and towers, interspersed by courtyards, rich green lawns and immaculate flower beds.
The hotel offers a 150-seat outdoor amphitheatre, two spectacular ballrooms, the majestic Al Koufa Fort, stunning landscaped gardens, atmospheric courtyards and a rooftop terrace. Consider a wedding blessing or renewal of vows at One&Only Royal Mirage, while legally binding marriages may be conducted at a nearby church in Jebel Ali. A dedicated celebration consultant assists in choice of venue, and organises every detail.