Where the luxury wedding industry professionals meet to design the future of Weddings and Events
Dubai, no.1 global destination for two consecutive years in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, is where the future happens before anywhere else. Hosted by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, the first Dubai Wedding Symposium invited around 100 top renowned International destination wedding planners, trade influencers and media from all over the world to discover how Dubai is becoming a premier destination for weddings and milestone celebrations. Three days of immersive experiences, site visits, networking, conference sessions, one-to-one meetings and emotional evening events to create new business relationships in the engaging atmosphere of Dubai.
The stunning Nara Desert Escape camp welcomed all the guests for the first opening cocktail evening event in a magical sunset and “boho chic” mood with the striking “The Perfume Bar” and its Arabic essences, the Arabic calligraphy by Tariq Mehmood, the Henna Experience, Oud & Tabla music, Fire show, Camp Fire Ring, a delicious dinner and beautiful decorations by U Events Global.
Day n.2 started with Conference sessions and panel discussions at Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, The Palm, Dubai.
The prestigious keynote & panel speakers were Wendy El-Khoury, CEO of Wedded Wonderland; Hella Huizinga, founder of Hella Huizinga Events; Zuzu Birkhof, founder and creative director of Haus of Birkhof, Tomas De Bruyne, floral Designer Tomas De Bruyne Floral Experiences Worldwide, Stefanie Heller, CEO Jam Wedding planner, Parthip Thyagarajan, CEO Wedding Sutra, Alejandra Poupel, founder Alejandra Poupel Events, Alison Hargreaves, founder Guides for Brides, Beyond Weddings and Pride Guide, Michele Li, Founder and director of The Wedding Company, Christina Holt, Founder and director of Wedding Concepts.
Important topics like socials, sustainability, hospitality, future, creativity, AI and philanthropy focused on the responsibility and future of weddings and events from the vendor’s and clients’ points of view. All the planners were then invited to one-to-one meetings with local suppliers and vendors, such as Vivaah Weddings, Showtech, Life VR, Little Venice Cake Company, Flaming Trio Mocktails Experience, The Card Co. Dubai, and all luxury Hotel partners of the event.
The second evening event, a total white-themed party, was hosted by Banyan Tree Bluewaters Island, where its 500 meters of pristine, private beachfront overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the iconic Ain Dubai, the world’s highest observation wheel, in the backdrop, amazed all guests dancing all the night on the rhythm of Dj Tornik with the percussionist Hush Bongos and the glittering make-up by Glitterbox.
Day 3 was an intensive tour and fun boat trip discovering the Heart of Europe on Dubai’s World Island, with its Voco Monaco Hotel and the incredible marine conservation and coral reef project, the futuristic floating SeaHorse Houses project, the 700-meter French Riviera-inspired private beach, colourful spaces, and curious things to experience like the fake rain. Yes, everything is possible in Dubai!
The tour continued with the site visits of the Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, Palazzo Versace, The Lana, The Address Grand Creek Harbour, The Westin Mina Seyahi, Atlantis The Royal, Fours Seasons Hotel Dubai, Bulgari Resorts & Residences, One&Only Royal Mirage.
This is a great opportunity to discover the excellence of Dubai’s hospitality and venues for unforgettable celebrations. The best setting for the closing black-tie gala dinner was, of course, the Armani Hotel Dubai at Burj Khalifa, where the sophisticated simplicity of the brand lets you immerse in a fascinating and glamorous luxury atmosphere. It was a memorable experience Thanks to the vision of Arun Bablani in collaboration with Jam Wedding planner, Hafeet Events, Dj Stylez, The Bar Tailors and SoundKraft. And for those who love to dance all night, a great after-party was hosted by The Armani Privè Dubai.
If you think about a special Destination wedding, Dubai has it all. Where to start?
Visit Weddings by Emaar, the platform that provides all the information you need to create the wedding of your dreams. From a pristine collection of venues to a list of vendors to honeymoon destinations, Weddings by Emaar is the go-to source for weddings and beyond.
If you have a vision, if you imagine the future, if you think about your Special Event, well, in Dubai, it’s already happening. It’s the place of endless possibilities, incredible emotions, and where tomorrow is today. Welcome to Dubai!
Photos credit: Camlition Productions
Article edited by Diana Da Ros