All you need to know about Emirati Marriage

Emirati Marriage is a luxury celebration influenced by local traditions and the enduring culture of the Arabs. The Emirati weddings follow special Islamic laws and are celebrated in the most luxurious manner. The livefulness and the extravagance during the Emirati weddings are incomparable and it varies as per the personal preference that one would like to implement.

However, they are grand affairs entangled with traditional and contemporary ritualistic practices.

It’s a Seven Day Affair

The traditional wedding ceremony in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is a seven-day affair that combines the Arab community’s cultural traditions with the modern-day Emirati wedding ceremonies. But, some of the rituals observed as part of Emirati weddings have changed over the years, as per expert wedding planners.

Let’s see what are the customs associated with the Emirati Wedding.

1. The Proposal

Emirati weddings begin with the marriage proposal ceremony, locally known as Al Khoutha KHOTBA.

The ritual dates back to the 7th century, where the love-struck groom expresses his feelings known to his mother, who then approaches the bride’s mother to request her hand in marriage.

Once the request is approved, the families will then discuss other things like the dowry, which is to be paid to the bride.

2. The Contract

During this ritual, a legal marriage contract is signed, which is known as Al Akhd Alakhed. The groom and bride sign this contract in the presence of two male witnesses.

The contract includes the dowry, which the groom agrees to offering to his new wife. The couple also exchanged rings after the contract was signed. The ring exchange ceremony is also known as ‘Milcha’.

Before the marriage, the bride is supposed to rest in her house for at least 40 days. This is the time when her family members indulge her.

They will serve her healthy food and drinks and smear her with traditional oils and fragrances to make her more beautiful. Moreover, the groom gifts her jewels and perfumes before the wedding day, and the ritual is known as Addahbia.

3. Bridal Shower

Before the actual wedding day, 2 to 3 days to be exact, another significant ritual is performed at the bride’s residence. Known to be the ‘bridal shower’ or ‘Henna night’, this ritual is celebrated by all the bride’s friends and relatives.

The henna artist adorns the hands and feet of the bride with attractive designs. There will be music, dance, and mouth-watering specialties for the guests to enjoy to the fullest.

This is also when all the guests bless the bride and present her valuable gifts, including fashionable jewelry, expensive dresses, and money.

4. Dazza

In the meanwhile, at the groom’s residence, the female members prepare the ‘Dazza’, known as the bride’s ‘Hope Chest’. The beautiful box would be occupied with valuables like jewelry, fragrances, prayer mat, Quran, Mehr, and other extravagant bridal goods.

5. Wedding Day

The most important ritual on the wedding day is the ‘Nikah’, where all the bride and groom’s family members take part. This is a significant religious ceremony in the Emirati wedding guided by the Maulvi or Qazi.

The Qazi announces the marriage, followed by a grand and extended feast. During the wedding rituals in Emirati weddings, there are separate rituals for men and women.

The wedding day is the best opportunity for the women to wear exclusive dresses and jewels.

6. The Reception

After the wedding, a grand reception is organized at the groom’s place where the menfolk enjoy dancing and pleasure sessions.

Typically, men wear traditional attire called Kandoura. They would be dancing and partying best their level standing in a line, carrying a thin gold cane in one hand.

7. Grand Feast

Last but not least is the tastyness that you can’t miss at an Emirati wedding.

Once the dance and music are over, and you get tired, enjoy the traditional Emirati food.

Fill your stomach and heart by having the mouth-watering kitchens. Enjoy a coffee variety alongside dates and a wide variety of other tasty sweets. Ouzi – a whole lamb, biryani, Salona, and other forms the rest of the recipe you can’t ever miss.

Next time, if you get a chance to attend an Emirati wedding, never miss it as the ceremony is sure to offer a once in a lifetime experience for you.