UAE top destination for Pakistani weddings in 2017

Pakistani couples among others who made 86% of the weddings delivered in the country

Couples from Pakistan, India and other countries made the majority, 86% of weddings delivered in United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the year 2017, Khaleej Times reported.

According to Atlantis, The Palm, the number of weddings increased 30 per cent in 2017 compared to previous year. Other couples that tied the knot in the country included the UAE itself and the UK.

The report added that the country became the top destination for weddings in the Middle East due to its palatial and luxurious hotels, with people spending as high as Dh11 million on celebrations in each wedding.

It further said the Middle East accounted for five per cent of the wedding industry, valued at Dh330 billion. Thus, the UAE ranked among the top destination for wedding aspirants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, according to the survey conducted by Dubai-based event organisation QnA International.

According to industry estimates, an average lower and upper middle couple spends in the range of Dh700,000 to up to Dh7 million. The figures, however, could vary based on the nationality and their wealth status.



As for the high net worth families, the costs for weddings could go as high as Dh25 million in the UAE for Indians and Emiratis. Similarly, the turnout is between 300 to 400 for Asian and Emirati weddings and 100 to 150 for the Westerner weddings.

"If you are planning your wedding, the most important factors are to have a beautiful venue with the best kind of hospitality services to make this special occasion unforgettable for yourself and for your guests," said founder and managing director of Emirates World Club Romika Fazeli.

Destination based weddings in Europe and the Americas are usually a small affair attended by no more than 50-200 guests, while the guest list ranges anywhere from 300 to 1,000 for those marrying in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

"There are always exceptions to this and it really depends on the culture and on individual couples," said director of sales and marketing at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai Binu Varghese.

"There are people who want an extravagant wedding and it is evident from the decoration, number of guests, menus and entertainment. While there are many others who prefer a simple reception with their family and close friends," Varghese added.

Apart from Dubai, Florence and Tuscany are known to be the desired leading destinations for international weddings with 19 per cent and 42 per cent respectively in the global wedding market share.