This year may have shattered plans for many, including would-be brides, but one of the region's couturiers is channelling a message of optimism through his newest designs.
Michael Cinco, the Filipino designer who lives in Dubai, has unveiled his latest bridal collection, entitled The Impalpable Dream of Hope.
The designer, who has dressed the likes of Lady Gaga and Beyonce, has crafted an exquisitely embroidered line of gowns for autumn / winter 2020, with many employing his signature use of volume and detail.
Scroll through the gallery above to see more of Michael Cinco's bridal collection.
From dramatic ruffled trains to the most delicate of embroidery, each dress is set against a backdrop of fiery orange florals, like an ethereal phoenix rising from the flames.
In the shoot photographed by Rozen Antonio, Cinco gave a nod to the times we live in, teaming up with Perla Bridal to create an embellished, couture face mask.
The accessory, however, was only crafted for the photo shoot, and is not available as part of the collection.
Cinco is known for his ornate wedding dresses, including the bespoke bridal gown he created for crystal heiress Victoria Swarovski in 2017.
The gemstone-speckled design, complete with a six-metre train and lace embellishments, weighed in at 46 kilograms, with a value of more than $1 million (Dh3.67 million).
"It's more expensive than the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress," Cinco told The National last year.
French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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england euro squad
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Man Utd), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Defenders: John Stones (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Reece James (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
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The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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The Greatest Royal Rumble card
50-man Royal Rumble - names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias
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WWE World Heavyweight ChampionshipAJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura
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United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal
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Casket match The Undertaker v Rusev
Singles match John Cena v Triple H
Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v Kalisto
