TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
Destination weddings have become a key highlight in the Middle East’s tourism sector with the UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah taking the lead. TRAVTALK speaks to the tourism boards and key stakeholders about the way forward in this important sector.
Laila Suhail, CEO, Strategic Alliances and Partnerships Sector, Dubai DET
Dubai leverages its unique public-private partnership model to foster a supportive environment for wedding planners and their clients, through tailored offerings, logistical support and a comprehensive network of skilled suppliers, in addition to its diverse attractions and world-class infrastructure to ensure bespoke, memorable wedding experiences. With our focus on simplifying the process for couples and planners, there is just one permit required via the streamlined ePermit system managed by DET (Department of Economy and Tourism). Whether for large-scale public or smaller private gatherings, event organisers look to Dubai as a city renowned for its hosting capabilities, with a diverse range held every year across business, leisure and celebrations. For weddings specifically, DET facilitates special requirements to further streamline the process, and we advise wedding planners to engage with us early to navigate specific regulations. Destination weddings are flourishing in Dubai, and are a key pillar of the city’s thriving tourism industry.
Mohamad Saade, General Manager, Radisson Hotel & Residence Riyadh Olaya, KSA
As a new hotel, we have experienced a strong demand and our pacing looks positive. Guests often seek elegant spaces, exceptional catering, and personalised service. Our guest demographic primarily comprises individuals from the Middle East, we often receive wedding inquiries from Saudi Arabia. As a new hotel, we are excited to announce that we are anticipating 10 to 12 weddings per month, with a potential increase to 18 during peak seasons.
Anna-Marie Dowling, General Manager, Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort
Weddings are popular at Nofa Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Resort, with clients seeking a picturesque venue, exceptional service, and memorable experiences. We receive inquiries from various countries, particularly from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf nations. Nofa Resort has hosted approximately 20 per cent of its events as weddings. Bookings are received both through agents and direct inquiries.
Petr Dubsky, GM, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa, Bahrain
Weddings are highly sought after at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa. Our property boasts one of the largest venues in Bahrain, exceptional culinary offerings, and a wide range of cuisine options. We receive inquiries from India, as Bahrain Tourism has promoted Kingdom of Bahrain as a wedding destination in India. The percentage of weddings undertaken by our hotel is 60. Bookings for weddings come through many channels.
David Allan, Cluster General Manager, Radisson Hotel Group, UAE
The main thing wedding customers look for is the location, service, decor, variety of food and ease of accessibility. They also appreciate a wedding coordinator who understands their vision for their dream day and is flexible to deliver all they want. Weddings in our hotels account for 25 to 30 per cent of our events business, most of the bookings come directly by email, or through the website or third-party online partners we work with.
Mahmoud Saffarini, Director of Sales & Marketing, Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
Since the pre-opening, weddings have been incredibly popular. Our first lead closed was a high-end destination wedding with an almost full buyout, valued at over AED 1 million. Customers seek a mix of traditional ballrooms and unique outdoor venues. Many desire exclusive, resort-like touches. We have successfully hosted over 60 weddings in two years. Bookings come directly or through word of mouth about our excellent service.
Philistine Kharbouch, General Manager, Jannah Burj Al Sarab Hotel
We have catered to Arabic, Filipino and Indian clients in terms of conducting wedding receptions at our property. Guests request us for menus, and we tailor-make them according to their requests. When it comes to the decorations, guests select and advise on the way they need them to be placed and we offer according to their requirements. We have conducted a few weddings so far. Generally, bookings have been initiated directly.
Kunal Salooja, Director of MICE, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
The wedding segment is just as important as other segments, especially because it primarily yields revenue on weekends, which gives the hotel additional positioning and revenue opportunities. Based on current trends and data from the past 12 months, weddings are typically booked 75-120 days in advance. This is a shorter booking window compared to previous years, which was approximately 120-180 days ahead of the wedding day.
Tareq Bin Hussain, Director of Sales, Shangri-la Dubai
Weddings are popular at our property. Customers look for picturesque venues, exceptional service, and bespoke packages. We receive inquiries mainly from the UK, India, and GCC countries. We have undertaken 15 per cent of our total events as weddings. Bookings come through agents and directly from clients. We support requests by offering tailored packages, a dedicated wedding planners, and bespoke services.
Sapna Aidasani, Director Marketing, Pluto Travels
We receive wedding inquiries majorly from European countries and the US, with requests for beach venue or a venue with panoramic view of Dubai and Desert venues. Clients book through us, so that they have multiple options that we can offer than going straight to the hotel or venue, as sometimes there are other logistics involved. Weddings or destination weddings call for many preparations and licensing as well.
We offer guests end-to-end solutions.
Dalia Amer, General Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Alexandria, Egypt
We are hosting more than 200 weddings per year and there are multiple factors driving the business. Firstly, the ‘word of mouth’ publicity. Secondly, the variety of wedding venues in open air and one of the most luxurious and spacious banquet halls in Egypt in addition to our strong social presence and engagement with the community, and last and most significant, our care and service to make every moment matter.
Alfio Bernardini, General Manager, Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City Dubai
Weddings are increasingly popular at Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City Dubai. Guests look for decor, flexibility, food menu, and ambiance. We receive inquiries from various countries. The wedding segment at the hotel is growing year on year. Most bookings are made directly by clients, while some are supported through agents. The hotel undertakes visa processes and supports every request by noting details and assisting at every step.
Michael Chan, General Manager, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai
Weddings at the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel have been popular among our main clientele, comprising Indian and Filipino nationals, for more than 10 years. About 28 per cent of our revenue from MICE is derived from weddings. Bookings originate from direct inquiries or referrals. Our wedding packages are comprehensive, covering venue rental, F&B options, accommodations, and decorative elements.
Compiled by Dr Shehara Rizly
