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When it comes to destination weddings, the Middle East is ticking all the right boxes. It is emerging as a melting pot for all cultures. While Asia’s proximity and cultural familiarity continue to attract Indian and South Asian couples, Westerners are increasingly drawn to the Middle East for its architectural drama, cinematic landscapes, and out-of-the-box appeal.
According to a study by Future Market Insights, the destination wedding market in GCC countries — particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia — is poised for remarkable growth, projected to rise from USD 3.7 billion in 2025 to USD 8.7 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% over the forecast period.
“The Middle East as a region has put in considerable effort to create a singular platform that blends in all the cultures,” says Vicky Tulsyan, founder of Mirage Weddings and Events, who has curated weddings across Bahrain, Doha, Ras Al Khaimah, Muscat, and beyond. In many cases, the tourism board itself steps in as a gracious host, ensuring the finest in F&B, hospitality, warmth, and overall experience. Add to that the seamless connectivity and government-backed incentives, and it’s no surprise the region has become one of the most sought-after wedding destinations globally.”
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What makes the Middle East especially relevant today is its versatility. “International couples look at the wedding venues. The locations and venues themselves are incredibly picturesque. They also cleverly blend tradition with modernity, while respecting every culture so no one feels alienated. The service and hospitality of the government and staff, the culinary offering, and the cinematic visuals all make for an experience that is unmatched. This makes for an appealing perspective for couples across the globe who are considering the Middle East as a potential wedding destination,” reasons Tulsyan.
Couples are seeking something fresh — celebrations that feel expansive yet grounded, culturally rooted yet refreshingly adaptable. According to the report, UAE is one of the leading destinations for lavish weddings, followed by Saudi Arabia, and Oman where beach weddings are fast becoming the trend occupying 31% of the wedding business by 2025.
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Once an offbeat choice, Oman has now firmly positioned itself as a sought-after wedding destination.While Muscat continues to be a popular hub for high-end celebrations, destinations like Salalah — with its tropical beaches — and the elevated vistas of Jabal Akhdar are gaining traction for their unique and picturesque backdrops, according to the tourism board. In Salalah, properties such as Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara and Juweira Boutique Hotel are top picks, while in the mountains of Jabal Akhdar, the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort remains a standout choice.
If Oman offers cultural depth, Abu Dhabi delivers cinematic opulence. The capital of the UAE is renowned for its palatial venues, architectural drama, and impeccable service — making it a top choice for couples seeking grandeur without compromise. Iconic properties like Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort have become regular hosts for international weddings.
Equivalently, Ras Al Khaimah is fast becoming a favourite among couples for its stunning natural canvas of mountains, beaches, and luxurious venues. Top choices include InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah and more for their one-of-a-kind backdrops. Even, Qatar offers the same without saturation.
The report also notes that international weddings now account for 40% of total bookings in the region, drawing couples from Europe, India, and across the Middle East. Winter and early spring remain peak seasons, thanks to the region’s pleasant climate, while the summer months see a dip due to extreme heat.
“We are currently seeing strong wedding demand from markets such as India, the UK, and increasingly from Europe and North America. Many of these couples come from multicultural backgrounds,” shares Jean-Paul Dantil, General Manager of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi.
Rishab, commercial director at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas in Qatar echoes this sentiment. “India continues to be a major market, especially among families based in the UAE, UK, US, and Southeast Asia. We’ve also seen a growing interest from Europe — typically smaller groups, often design-forward, looking for elegance without extravagance.”
To an extent, celebrity weddings have also played a pivotal role in catapulting the region into the spotlight as a dream wedding destination. Entrepreneurs Nemat Younes and Adnan Ammache hosted their Lebanese fairytale at the breathtaking Villa Boustany in Jiyeh, just south of Beirut, where the venue offered unreal beach views. Egyptian star Yasmin Raies and her husband Ahmed’s intimate wedding in Cairo was a masterclass in understated elegance. Meanwhile, Dubai-based influencer Shahnas Saleem’s nuptials, set against the majestic backdrop of the Hatta mountains, struck a perfect balance between simple charm and grandeur.
“Couples don’t want a one-note wedding — they’re looking for movement and mood shifts throughout the celebration,” says Rishab. “The Al Masarra Ballroom often serves as the centerpiece for grand evening receptions. But it’s the unexpected touches that truly elevate the experience — like a mehndi in the villa gardens, a haldi ceremony at the water park, or a lantern-lit welcome dinner in our Arabian village.”
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What truly sets the region apart is the role of governance in shaping the narrative. It’s a vertical that's being invested in. “Weddings contribute to tourism indirectly by opening up opportunities to explore hospitality and F&B in the regions, hence boosting the tourism revenue. The government and tourism boards have worked on any potential challenges and created a seamless experience,” highlights Vicky.
Ras Al Khaimah is emerging as a premier destination for weddings, with a 40% growth in MICE travel in 2024, largely driven by the rise in destination celebrations. To support this boom, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has launched a wedding incentive program in partnership with hotels and RAK Airport. Benefits include waived venue rental fees, complimentary visas and transfers, VIP terminal discounts, and upgrades for bookings over 150 room nights.
Couples also have the option of DIY weddings through a streamlined government portal that handles legal approvals online and allows ceremonies at scenic or heritage sites. The Emirate’s Wedding Planner Certification Program offers fast-tracked civil approvals and access to exclusive venues, making it easier to plan bespoke celebrations. Adding to its appeal, luxury resorts such as Waldorf Astoria, Sofitel, and Anantara offer comprehensive wedding packages and resort buyouts for fully customised experiences.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Holidays offers dedicated wedding and honeymoon planning services, streamlining everything from venue bookings to curated guest experiences. Looking for something truly exclusive? Al Maya Island — a private island accessible only by boat in Abu Dhabi — is quickly emerging as the ultimate ‘just us’ ceremony destination. On the other hand, hotels like Qasr Al Sarab offer bespoke experiences — full resort buy-outs, Al Falaj sunset dinner receptions, intimate Royal Pavilion ceremonies, and a range of other wedding packages…
According to Oman’s tourism board, they have identified weddings as a key area of growth, and the numbers show they’re working. In 2023 alone, Oman hosted several high-profile destination weddings. Recent figures show that wedding tourism brought in over USD 15 million to the country in 2024. They are actively working with wedding planners and international agencies to offer all-inclusive packages that simplify logistics — from guest visas and airport transfers to décor, cuisine, and excursions.
Rishab notes Qatar’s strong global connectivity, with Qatar Airways linking the country to over 160 destinations worldwide, making Doha a practical hub for international guest lists, along with the support from the tourism board and a refreshingly simple visa process. “Most weddings are planned remotely, so the in-house team manages everything — from décor and room blocks to coordinating with chefs and cultural consultants. Perks like complimentary honeymoon villa stays, seasonal upgrades and end-to-end service add value that truly sets them apart,” he highlights of Hilton Salwa’s property in Qatar.
For weddings, you want an experience that’s rooted in place but tailored to people. And that’s the magic of the Middle East!
