Under the patronage and in presence of Her Highness Sheikha Rawda bint Ahmad bin Jumma Al Maktoum, consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, 110 brides from the seven emirates shared their conjugal joy in a mass wedding festivity. Themed “Danal Al Emarat”, the marriage celebration took place in a truly enchanting atmosphere on Sunday, March 8, 2015 in Dubai World Trade Center – Trade Center Arena, marking the International Women’s Day.
In a ceremonial speech, Her Highness Sheikha Rawda affirmed that women mass weddings conform with the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with regards to cutting unnecessary marriage expenses and curbing extravagancies and excessive wedding costs. She extended her congratulations and wishes for a successful matrimonial life to the brides.
“The 3rd Women Mass Wedding - Danat Al Emarat was intended to foster community partnership and the spirit of solidarity with wedded couples for the best interest of the whole society,” said the Chair of 3rd Female Mass Wedding Organizing Committee, Awatif Sultan Al Halyan. “Her Highness Sheikha Rawda wanted it to be an annual event that would grow in the upcoming years to include women employees and their male counterparts’ wives from all over the UAE and across all local and federal entities. So, the big event will be an occasion where the seven emirates can share the joy and celebration on the International Women’s Day.”
Al Halyan mentioned that Dubai Customs is the first government department to host a group wedding for women in Dubai. The first mass wedding held by DC for women included DC’s female employees and wives of male employees, while the second included brides from 6 government departments: Dubai Customs, DEWA, Dubai Municipality, RTA, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities, and Health Authority in Dubai. The third women mass wedding includes 8 departments, with brides from General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai and Dubai Police General Headquarters added to the previous list.
In this context, Dubai Customs held a Successful Marriage Programme last January which presented a series of awareness courses for employees from both genders on the threshold of tying the knot. The courses addressed achieving harmonization between parents in raising children, how to deal with marital disputes, personal financial management skills and spousal rights and obligations.
The ecstatic brides were overwhelmingly cheerful to see Her Highness Sheikha Rawda personally attending the ceremony. As a wish for a sweet happy life, Her Highness presented the future wives with valuable gifts and offers for complementary services at Zabeel Ladies Club and Jude Fitness Center. The brides thanked HH Sheikha Rawda for her generous offerings and support.