Abu Dhabi offers many exciting options to tie the knot. The city boasts a range of professionals to help prospective brides and grooms and their families to plan and execute outstanding weddings. All the elements necessary for a traditional wedding with a huge guest list or a quiet elegant affair for a few people is conveniently at hand. Brides to be in the Emirate can select the items they need for their wedding from the latest wedding wear to jewellery, specially designed fragrances, stylists and spas to give the bride and her friends a complete makeover, from wedding fairs that are popular events here.
In addition specialty shops will help brides to make their wedding day unique. Abu Dhabi city hotels and resorts offer excellent bespoke wedding packages to make a special day memorable. These include outdoor or indoor venues, catering, pre-wedding spa treatments, bridal suites and romantic honeymoon packages. However for non Muslim resident expatriates getting married in the Emirate is a notoriously convoluted affair. It is advisable that resident expatriates seriously contemplating getting married in Abu Dhabi be thoroughly acquainted with the regulations governing marriage. The best way to circumvent red tape and to have the wedding of your dreams is to plan everything carefully before hand and allow time for procedures and documentation.
Once a couple decides to ‘plight their troth’ many consult wedding planners who give advice on venues, help select a theme, decide on a budget, design invitations, place cards, thank you notes, assist to set up a wedding website, assist with dressing the bride and her friends and ensure that everything goes according to schedule. All marriages in Abu Dhabi are solemnized in a religious place or a venue with a wedding license. There are no civil ceremonies. Nationals and Muslims tie the knot in the Sharia court. Christians and Catholics can get married in church but one or both partners must show evidence of having being baptized. The marriageable age in Abu Dhabi is over 18 years for both bride and groom. Witnesses have to be nationals or hold Abu Dhabi resident permits. Some nationalities may be required to translate personal documents into English and Arabic. Once married the marriage certificate is submitted to the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for attestation and in the case of expats submitted to the respective embassy for legalization in the home country. Undergoing medical examinations for genetic disorders and communicable diseases is part of the pre wedding requirements for everyone.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, a magnificent oasis in the middle of the Liwa Desert, the largest sand mass in the world, is amongst the popular luxury hotels Abu Dhabi where many go to have the quintessential desert experience. Guests at one of fabulous Abu Dhabi hotels can choose to view wildlife, participate in a range of outdoor activities, enjoy relaxing spa treatments and onsite leisure facilities and taste the gourmet cuisine presented at its restaurants.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.