Photos: What are Emirati weddings like? A must-read!

First, the engagement takes place. The two families can have an engagement party if they wish.

> The marriage contract is signed by the groom and bride through a court, an imam or a sheikh. This means they are legally and Islamically married. According to Emirati culture, however, the bride does not move in with the groom until after the official wedding ceremony.

> The henna night takes place, where the bride, her family and friends get together to do henna, enjoy performances, dance and celebrate.

> The official wedding ceremony takes place, with separate celebrations for men and women. They may do the celebration at the same venue in two different halls, or at two different venues.

> The male can join the female side of the celebration later into the night, once only the main family members and friends remain at the venue. This is when the groom and bride cut the cake and drink either juice or a rose-water syrup drink together.

Women's side of the celebrations

> The women's side is said to be more festive, with grand performances, exquisite décor, expensive gowns, hundreds of guests and an impressive dinner menu

> It's almost like a 'fashion show', as women come dressed in their most lavish gowns

> There is a 'perfume corner' set up, where loads of luxurious and traditional scents are offered to guests

> There is a 'runway' set up for ?the bride. She walks on it, as guests watch

> For most of the ceremony, she remains seated on a fancy sofa, set up on-stage

> In older days, the bride had to remain seated throughout the ceremony, but, these days, she can join in and dance with her friends

> There are waiters serving tea, coffee, snacks and desserts throughout the celebration
> The ceremony can go up to four hours or more.

Men's side of the celebrations

> The celebration on the men's side can last up to two to three hours

> They wear their traditional clothing, called kandoura

> Most of the men's side of the celebrations these days are done after lunch, with tea, coffee and desserts being served to guests

> If being done during dinnertime, especially if it's a royal wedding, the traditional 'kuzhi' dish is served. It is the national dish of the UAE and includes roasted lamb or mutton over rice

> They do the Emirati traditional folk dancing, called Ayala, where they face each other, holding swords or sticks, and dance to the beat of drums.

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A post shared by Toyeen B's World (@toyeenbsworlddubai) on Dec 23, 2018 at 11:18pm PST

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Toyeen B's World: Photos: My first Arab gig EVER, an engagement party in Dubai & it was SUPER.