A Closer Look: What we know about Dubai's new wedding programme

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

Dubai's government has set out a new programme to support young Emirati couples tying the knot.

The aim is to reduce the financial burden of putting on costly ceremonies.

But who is eligible, what services are provided and how much of the cost is covered?

Here, host Sarah Forster hears from The National's Rana Afifi about this latest initiative and how it is part of a grander plan for the emirate.

Why more couples in the UAE are opting for micro weddings

UAE's most spectacular wedding proposals – in pictures

Ibrahim Zoroub proposed to Kamilla Bakytova using an LED display on Burj Khalifa. Photo: Ibrahim Zoroub

Peter Philippou proposed to his partner Sarah on a helipad. Photo: Peter Philippou

Caroline Ralston from Proposal Boutique organised a proposal using a flash mob. Photo: Proposal Boutique

Yash Patel and Kinna Abhani planned their engagement at Aura Skypool Dubai together. Photo: Proposal Boutique

Angie and Shaan Keswani ahead of their engagement at The Sevens Stadium. Photo: Proposal Boutique

Hiren Lilwa proposed to Amrita Bhojwani in an escape room on his birthday. Photo: Amrita Bhojwani

Asif and Minal got engaged at Al Ain Zoo. Photo: Proposal Boutique

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SPECS

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COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Akeed

Based: Muscat

Launch year: 2018

Number of employees: 40

Sector: Online food delivery

Funding: Raised $3.2m since inception

About RuPay

A homegrown card payment scheme launched by the National Payments Corporation of India and backed by the Reserve Bank of India, the country’s central bank

RuPay process payments between banks and merchants for purchases made with credit or debit cards

It has grown rapidly in India and competes with global payment network firms like MasterCard and Visa.

In India, it can be used at ATMs, for online payments and variations of the card can be used to pay for bus, metro charges, road toll payments

The name blends two words rupee and payment

Some advantages of the network include lower processing fees and transaction costs

UAE currency

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

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The specs

Price, base / as tested Dh1,470,000 (est)
Engine 6.9-litre twin-turbo W12
Gearbox eight-speed automatic
Power 626bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 900Nm @ 1,350rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.0L / 100km

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