UAE citizens have welcomed the new Dubai wedding programme, calling it a “great initiative” to encourage young Emiratis to marry without the financial burden.
The Dubai Wedding Programme, announced on Monday, offers citizens incentives to help reduce wedding costs, including marriage planning services and venues for parties in modern halls across the emirate.
Family counselling for newlyweds will also be provided, as well as marriage planning, family management and financial advice for young couples.
Dubai's Community Development Authority said it aimed to reduce the financial burden on citizens and provide them with stability and a higher quality of life.
This is the perfect solution to help newlyweds in Dubai
Alia Mohammed,
24, Dubai
Alia Mohammed, 24, from Dubai, said she welcomes the idea of joining the programme if her future husband wants to apply for it.
“This is a great initiative for us young Emiratis, as we see a lot of young men postpone getting married fearing debts and pressure, so this is the perfect solution to increase and help the newlyweds in Dubai,” she told The National.
“I've heard some stories about grooms getting in debt because of large and luxurious weddings. They spend years of their lives paying for it.”
Ms Mohammed said she had noticed a cultural shift in weddings after Covid, with many opting for smaller ceremonies rather than lavish ones.
“Pre-Covid, there were many luxurious and large weddings with guests exceeding 500 to 800 people.
“But now people are starting to arrange their weddings at home or in an outdoor setting, such as in a tent with a more classic and minimalist design where they would invite only family and close friends.”
Ms Mohammed said that while the culture isn't completely how it used to be, she has recently attended weddings in hotels and wedding halls.
“It is much better this way, as couples don't feel the need to pressure themselves to have a large wedding and it is more normalised to have smaller ceremonies.”
Manahil Elarki, an event planner from Sudan who has lived in the UAE for two decades, believes the main issue faced by couples when planning their wedding is trying to manage the budget.
“It usually doesn't have a big impact, but I've handled newlyweds who were emotionally affected to a point where they feel sad due to the high expenses, and eventually no matter how much I try to reduce it, some of the services remain unaffordable,” Ms Elaraki told The National.
Ms Elarki, who lives in Abu Dhabi, said that since the pandemic it has been rare for a wedding to have a guest list of more than 1,000 people.
“After many regulations were enforced by authorities to reduce guests at events for safety, many residents started accepting the idea of having a more relaxed ceremony, which brings along the idea of having to pay less for everything wedding related, which they then save up money to help with life after marriage,” she said.
High expenses puts couples off
The amount of money spent on a wedding, however, depends on the family's traditions.
“Currently an ideal wedding with 150 to 200 guests can range from Dh35,000 [$9,500] to Dh100,000, depending on the design and additional services.
“Usually the amount is spent on the overall decor, lighting, buffet, photographer, hospitality and DJ or entertainment.”
Muna Alblooshi, 27, who is from Ajman and living in Abu Dhabi, praised the counselling and educational services offered by the programme.
“I think it's really important for people to understand how they can budget their weddings because what I notice from most of the weddings that take place is that people tend to focus on entertainment and other unnecessary things that cost more than Dh50,000.
“Sometimes the groom has to take a loan from the bank to cover these expenses,” she said.
“Understanding financial budgeting and knowing how to plan the wedding without getting yourself in debt will result in a happy, stable marriage in which the couple can focus on saving to plan their future together.”
Ms Alblooshi, who got married last year, said she felt the financial pressures of planning the wedding.
“Sudden and unexpected expenses came up even a few days before the ceremony.
“Our wedding had more than 200 guests, so you can only imagine the food costs, wedding hall sizes and other expenses,” she said.
She added that while getting married is one of the “most impressive and beautiful achievements”, the cost of weddings can put many off.
“Due to the high costs, some people are considering avoiding marriage because they would have to save up for years.”
The wedding programme is exclusive to Emiratis in Dubai and also covers all wedding expenses for women at the ceremony, as well as the cost of 250 guests.
“This includes high-quality food, decorations, hospitality, and other services,” Huraiz Al-Mur bin Huraiz, chief executive of Planning and Social Development at CDA, told The National.
“Couples can choose to hold their weddings at various CDA wedding halls, including Al Barsha Hall, Al Lisaili Hall, Hatta Hall and soon, the Al Twar Hall.”
Mr Huraiz said that to qualify for the programme, grooms must possess a Dubai-issued passport and be more than 21 years old, while brides are required to be a UAE citizen.
There are no financial requirements to be eligible for the programme, he added.
Couples can apply for the programme through the CDA website, DubaiNow application, or by visiting any of the CDA's customer service centres.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
THE SPECS
Touareg Highline
Engine: 3.0-litre, V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 340hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh239,312
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff
By Sean Penn
Simon & Schuster
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
FIGHT CARD
Bantamweight Hamza Bougamza (MAR) v Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)
Catchweight 67kg Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) v Fouad Mesdari (ALG)
Lighweight Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) v Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)
Catchweight 73kg Mostafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) v Yazid Chouchane (ALG)
Middleweight Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) v Badreddine Diani (MAR)
Catchweight 78kg Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Adnan Bushashy (ALG)
Middleweight Sallaheddine Dekhissi (MAR) v Abdel Emam (EGY)
Catchweight 65kg Rachid Hazoume (MAR) v Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG)
Lighweight Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)
Catchweight 79kg Omar Hussein (PAL) v Souhil Tahiri (ALG)
Middleweight Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Laid Zerhouni (ALG)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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RESULTS
Bantamweight:
Zia Mashwani (PAK) bt Chris Corton (PHI)
Super lightweight:
Flavio Serafin (BRA) bt Mohammad Al Khatib (JOR)
Super lightweight:
Dwight Brooks (USA) bt Alex Nacfur (BRA)
Bantamweight:
Tariq Ismail (CAN) bt Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)
Featherweight:
Abdullatip Magomedov (RUS) bt Sulaiman Al Modhyan (KUW)
Middleweight:
Mohammad Fakhreddine (LEB) bt Christofer Silva (BRA)
Middleweight:
Rustam Chsiev (RUS) bt Tarek Suleiman (SYR)
Welterweight:
Khamzat Chimaev (SWE) bt Mzwandile Hlongwa (RSA)
Lightweight:
Alex Martinez (CAN) bt Anas Siraj Mounir (MAR)
Welterweight:
Jarrah Al Selawi (JOR) bt Abdoul Abdouraguimov (FRA)
FIXTURES (all times UAE)
Sunday
Brescia v Lazio (3.30pm)
SPAL v Verona (6pm)
Genoa v Sassuolo (9pm)
AS Roma v Torino (11.45pm)
Monday
Bologna v Fiorentina (3.30pm)
AC Milan v Sampdoria (6pm)
Juventus v Cagliari (6pm)
Atalanta v Parma (6pm)
Lecce v Udinese (9pm)
Napoli v Inter Milan (11.45pm)
The specs: 2018 Mazda CX-5
Price, base / as tested: Dh89,000 / Dh130,000
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 188hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 251Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.1L / 100km
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Monster
Directed by: Anthony Mandler
Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., John David Washington
3/5
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MATCH INFO
Leeds United 0
Brighton 1 (Maupay 17')
Man of the match: Ben White (Brighton)
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Cagliari v AC Milan (6pm)
Lazio v Napoli (9pm)
Inter Milan v Atalanta (11.45pm)
Sunday
Udinese v Sassuolo (3.30pm)
Sampdoria v Brescia (6pm)
Fiorentina v SPAL (6pm)
Torino v Bologna (6pm)
Verona v Genoa (9pm)
Roma V Juventus (11.45pm)
Parma v Lecce (11.45pm)
Neil Thomson – THE BIO
Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.
Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.
Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.
Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.
Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.
Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Honeymoonish
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
When is VAR used?
• Goals
• Penalty decisions
• Direct red-card incidents
• Mistaken identity
