Wedding traditions of Dubai
A creek port turned global city, where Emirati families keep the henna night and the Ayyala dance, and expatriate couples marry in a dozen traditions.
Emirati weddings are communal: a weekend of gatherings, with the groom's family paying the dowry and the wedding costs. The Marriage Fund, a state programme, supports Emirati couples and encourages smaller weddings. Dubai is also a destination for expatriate weddings, including civil ceremonies for non-Muslims after changes to the law.
A wedding here
The henna night is held at the bride's home with a female henna artist, and the bride wears a green thobe called a thobe al nashal or a modern gown. Men perform the Ayyala dance with sticks and drums. A procession of cars and the zaffe take the groom to the hall.
Law and change
Since 2021 Abu Dhabi, and since 2022 Dubai, have offered civil marriage for non-Muslims. Same-sex marriage is not legal in the United Arab Emirates, and sex outside marriage has been decriminalised in recent years, subject to change.
Wedding customs of Dubai
Also part of it, and being written: Al-Ayyala (The Emirati dance.), Mahr (The bridal gift.), Emirati culture (The culture of the UAE.).
A wedding trail idea for Dubai
- Al Fahidi Historical District The old quarter.
- Gold Souk, Deira Gold and jewellery shops.
- Dubai Creek and Al Shindagha Heritage waterfront settings.
- Jumeirah Mosque A mosque open to visitors on tours.
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, venues and wedding-season dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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