GITNUXREPORT 2026

Uae Wedding Industry Statistics

The UAE wedding industry is large, growing rapidly, and driven by luxury tourism.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

65% of UAE weddings in 2023 were for couples aged 25-34.

Statistic 2

Expatriates make up 55% of wedding couples in Dubai.

Statistic 3

72% of UAE brides prefer sustainable wedding practices in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 4

Indian-origin couples host 40% of destination weddings in UAE.

Statistic 5

85% of couples book weddings 12-18 months in advance.

Statistic 6

November to March sees 70% of all UAE weddings due to weather.

Statistic 7

60% of couples opt for mixed cultural weddings in UAE.

Statistic 8

Social media influences 78% of vendor choices per 2023 survey.

Statistic 9

Average guest list size is 285 in UAE weddings.

Statistic 10

45% of couples prioritize personalization in themes.

Statistic 11

Female-led planning accounts for 92% of decisions.

Statistic 12

50% of weddings include live streaming for global guests.

Statistic 13

Vegan catering requested by 25% of couples in 2023.

Statistic 14

68% prefer beach or desert venues over hotels.

Statistic 15

Budget-conscious millennials represent 40% of market.

Statistic 16

75% use wedding apps for planning coordination.

Statistic 17

Repeat weddings (vow renewals) up 15% post-2022.

Statistic 18

55% of couples aged 30+ choose intimate weddings under 100 guests.

Statistic 19

The average cost of a wedding in Dubai is AED 632,000 as of 2023, including venue, catering, and attire.

Statistic 20

Wedding dresses in UAE average AED 25,000, with 40% imported from Europe.

Statistic 21

Catering costs for UAE weddings average AED 150 per guest, with 300 guests typical.

Statistic 22

Jewelry spending at UAE weddings averages AED 200,000 per couple in 2023.

Statistic 23

Venue rental for luxury Dubai hotels averages AED 250,000 for a wedding.

Statistic 24

Photography and videography packages cost AED 35,000 on average in UAE.

Statistic 25

Honeymoon budgets for UAE couples average AED 75,000, with 70% international.

Statistic 26

Wedding planners charge 15-20% of total budget, averaging AED 100,000 per event.

Statistic 27

Flower arrangements for UAE weddings cost AED 50,000 on average for large events.

Statistic 28

Entertainment budgets, including DJs and performers, average AED 80,000.

Statistic 29

Makeup and hair services for brides cost AED 5,000-10,000 per wedding.

Statistic 30

Transportation for guests averages AED 20,000 for luxury weddings in UAE.

Statistic 31

Invitation and stationery expenses reach AED 15,000 for 300 guests.

Statistic 32

Pre-wedding events like mehndi parties cost AED 50,000 on average.

Statistic 33

Total average wedding budget in Abu Dhabi is AED 450,000 in 2023.

Statistic 34

The UAE wedding market is expected to grow at 11% CAGR to 2028.

Statistic 35

By 2025, sustainable weddings projected to be 50% of total.

Statistic 36

Virtual reality wedding experiences to capture 10% market by 2027.

Statistic 37

Wedding tourism expected to add AED 5 billion annually by 2026.

Statistic 38

AI-driven planning tools adoption to reach 60% by 2025.

Statistic 39

Micro-weddings to grow 25% yearly through 2027.

Statistic 40

Drone photography in 80% of weddings by 2026.

Statistic 41

Luxury segment to dominate 70% of revenue by 2028.

Statistic 42

GCC couples choosing UAE for weddings up 30% by 2025.

Statistic 43

Wedding tech startups to raise AED 500m by 2027.

Statistic 44

Beach wedding permits to double by 2026.

Statistic 45

Personalized jewelry sales to surge 40%.

Statistic 46

Elopement packages to grow 35% annually.

Statistic 47

Post-pandemic hygiene tech in 90% venues by 2025.

Statistic 48

NFT wedding invitations trend to 20% adoption by 2027.

Statistic 49

Wellness-integrated honeymoons up 50% by 2026.

Statistic 50

UAE hotels host 70% of weddings, with 5-star properties at 50%.

Statistic 51

There are over 2,500 registered wedding planners in UAE as of 2023.

Statistic 52

Catering companies served 1.2 million wedding guests in 2023.

Statistic 53

1,200 wedding venues operate across UAE, 400 in Dubai.

Statistic 54

Jewelry retailers report AED 4.5 billion in wedding sales yearly.

Statistic 55

800 photographers specialize in weddings in UAE.

Statistic 56

Flower import for weddings totals 500 tons annually.

Statistic 57

650 event entertainment firms active in wedding sector.

Statistic 58

Bridal wear boutiques number 450 in major emirates.

Statistic 59

Limousine services handled 150,000 wedding transfers in 2023.

Statistic 60

Cake suppliers produced 20,000 wedding cakes last year.

Statistic 61

Henna artists numbered 1,000, serving 60% of weddings.

Statistic 62

Wedding expo exhibitors reached 500 companies in 2023.

Statistic 63

Luxury yacht wedding charters: 120 vessels available.

Statistic 64

Fireworks providers for weddings: 200 firms, AED 100m revenue.

Statistic 65

Stationery printers for weddings: 300 specialized shops.

Statistic 66

The UAE wedding industry was valued at approximately AED 12.5 billion in 2022, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth driven by post-pandemic recovery.

Statistic 67

In 2023, Dubai alone accounted for 45% of the total UAE wedding market revenue, totaling around AED 6.2 billion.

Statistic 68

The average annual growth rate of the UAE wedding sector from 2019 to 2023 stood at 12.8%, fueled by luxury tourism.

Statistic 69

Abu Dhabi's wedding industry contributed AED 3.1 billion to the economy in 2023, with a focus on royal and high-end events.

Statistic 70

The UAE wedding market is projected to reach AED 18 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 9.5%.

Statistic 71

In 2022, over 25,000 weddings were registered in the UAE, marking a 20% increase from 2021.

Statistic 72

The wedding industry in Sharjah grew by 18% in 2023, reaching AED 1.2 billion in value.

Statistic 73

UAE's wedding sector employed over 150,000 people directly and indirectly in 2023.

Statistic 74

International weddings in UAE constituted 35% of total events in 2023, attracting 50,000 foreign couples.

Statistic 75

The digital wedding planning market in UAE grew to AED 800 million in 2023.

Statistic 76

Ras Al Khaimah's wedding industry saw a 25% surge, valued at AED 900 million in 2023.

Statistic 77

UAE wedding expos in 2023 generated AED 500 million in leads for vendors.

Statistic 78

The luxury segment of UAE weddings accounted for 60% of market revenue in 2022.

Statistic 79

Post-COVID, UAE wedding backlogs led to a 30% increase in events in 2022-2023.

Statistic 80

Fujairah's niche wedding market reached AED 400 million in 2023.

Statistic 81

UAE wedding industry market size projected at AED 22 billion by 2030.

Statistic 82

Wedding services in Ajman valued at AED 700 million in 2023.

Statistic 83

Umm Al Quwain weddings contribute AED 300 million annually.

Sources
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In a dazzling testament to luxury and resilience, the UAE wedding industry isn't just bouncing back; it's orchestrating a multi-billion dirham symphony of grand celebrations, with Dubai alone commanding a staggering AED 6.2 billion in revenue last year.

Key Takeaways

  • The UAE wedding industry was valued at approximately AED 12.5 billion in 2022, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth driven by post-pandemic recovery.
  • In 2023, Dubai alone accounted for 45% of the total UAE wedding market revenue, totaling around AED 6.2 billion.
  • The average annual growth rate of the UAE wedding sector from 2019 to 2023 stood at 12.8%, fueled by luxury tourism.
  • The average cost of a wedding in Dubai is AED 632,000 as of 2023, including venue, catering, and attire.
  • Wedding dresses in UAE average AED 25,000, with 40% imported from Europe.
  • Catering costs for UAE weddings average AED 150 per guest, with 300 guests typical.
  • 65% of UAE weddings in 2023 were for couples aged 25-34.
  • Expatriates make up 55% of wedding couples in Dubai.
  • 72% of UAE brides prefer sustainable wedding practices in 2023 surveys.
  • UAE hotels host 70% of weddings, with 5-star properties at 50%.
  • There are over 2,500 registered wedding planners in UAE as of 2023.
  • Catering companies served 1.2 million wedding guests in 2023.
  • The UAE wedding market is expected to grow at 11% CAGR to 2028.
  • By 2025, sustainable weddings projected to be 50% of total.
  • Virtual reality wedding experiences to capture 10% market by 2027.

The UAE wedding industry is large, growing rapidly, and driven by luxury tourism.

Consumer Behavior

  • 65% of UAE weddings in 2023 were for couples aged 25-34.
  • Expatriates make up 55% of wedding couples in Dubai.
  • 72% of UAE brides prefer sustainable wedding practices in 2023 surveys.
  • Indian-origin couples host 40% of destination weddings in UAE.
  • 85% of couples book weddings 12-18 months in advance.
  • November to March sees 70% of all UAE weddings due to weather.
  • 60% of couples opt for mixed cultural weddings in UAE.
  • Social media influences 78% of vendor choices per 2023 survey.
  • Average guest list size is 285 in UAE weddings.
  • 45% of couples prioritize personalization in themes.
  • Female-led planning accounts for 92% of decisions.
  • 50% of weddings include live streaming for global guests.
  • Vegan catering requested by 25% of couples in 2023.
  • 68% prefer beach or desert venues over hotels.
  • Budget-conscious millennials represent 40% of market.
  • 75% use wedding apps for planning coordination.
  • Repeat weddings (vow renewals) up 15% post-2022.
  • 55% of couples aged 30+ choose intimate weddings under 100 guests.

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

In the UAE's vibrant wedding scene, a sustainability-minded millennial bride, likely an expat planning for over a year on her phone, is statistically destined for a personalized, beachfront, multi-cultural celebration in winter, heavily influenced by her Instagram feed and attended by a small army of 285 guests—half of whom might be watching the vegan cake-cutting via livestream.

Financial Metrics

  • The average cost of a wedding in Dubai is AED 632,000 as of 2023, including venue, catering, and attire.
  • Wedding dresses in UAE average AED 25,000, with 40% imported from Europe.
  • Catering costs for UAE weddings average AED 150 per guest, with 300 guests typical.
  • Jewelry spending at UAE weddings averages AED 200,000 per couple in 2023.
  • Venue rental for luxury Dubai hotels averages AED 250,000 for a wedding.
  • Photography and videography packages cost AED 35,000 on average in UAE.
  • Honeymoon budgets for UAE couples average AED 75,000, with 70% international.
  • Wedding planners charge 15-20% of total budget, averaging AED 100,000 per event.
  • Flower arrangements for UAE weddings cost AED 50,000 on average for large events.
  • Entertainment budgets, including DJs and performers, average AED 80,000.
  • Makeup and hair services for brides cost AED 5,000-10,000 per wedding.
  • Transportation for guests averages AED 20,000 for luxury weddings in UAE.
  • Invitation and stationery expenses reach AED 15,000 for 300 guests.
  • Pre-wedding events like mehndi parties cost AED 50,000 on average.
  • Total average wedding budget in Abu Dhabi is AED 450,000 in 2023.

Financial Metrics Interpretation

The UAE wedding industry appears to operate on the elegant principle that for every heartfelt "I do," there must be a corresponding and rather substantial "I owe."

Future Projections

  • The UAE wedding market is expected to grow at 11% CAGR to 2028.
  • By 2025, sustainable weddings projected to be 50% of total.
  • Virtual reality wedding experiences to capture 10% market by 2027.
  • Wedding tourism expected to add AED 5 billion annually by 2026.
  • AI-driven planning tools adoption to reach 60% by 2025.
  • Micro-weddings to grow 25% yearly through 2027.
  • Drone photography in 80% of weddings by 2026.
  • Luxury segment to dominate 70% of revenue by 2028.
  • GCC couples choosing UAE for weddings up 30% by 2025.
  • Wedding tech startups to raise AED 500m by 2027.
  • Beach wedding permits to double by 2026.
  • Personalized jewelry sales to surge 40%.
  • Elopement packages to grow 35% annually.
  • Post-pandemic hygiene tech in 90% venues by 2025.
  • NFT wedding invitations trend to 20% adoption by 2027.
  • Wellness-integrated honeymoons up 50% by 2026.

Future Projections Interpretation

The UAE wedding industry is meticulously orchestrating a future where robots plan sustainable micro-weddings for luxury-seeking tourists who will then post their drone-captured beach vows as an NFT from a wellness retreat.

Industry Suppliers

  • UAE hotels host 70% of weddings, with 5-star properties at 50%.
  • There are over 2,500 registered wedding planners in UAE as of 2023.
  • Catering companies served 1.2 million wedding guests in 2023.
  • 1,200 wedding venues operate across UAE, 400 in Dubai.
  • Jewelry retailers report AED 4.5 billion in wedding sales yearly.
  • 800 photographers specialize in weddings in UAE.
  • Flower import for weddings totals 500 tons annually.
  • 650 event entertainment firms active in wedding sector.
  • Bridal wear boutiques number 450 in major emirates.
  • Limousine services handled 150,000 wedding transfers in 2023.
  • Cake suppliers produced 20,000 wedding cakes last year.
  • Henna artists numbered 1,000, serving 60% of weddings.
  • Wedding expo exhibitors reached 500 companies in 2023.
  • Luxury yacht wedding charters: 120 vessels available.
  • Fireworks providers for weddings: 200 firms, AED 100m revenue.
  • Stationery printers for weddings: 300 specialized shops.

Industry Suppliers Interpretation

The UAE wedding industry isn't just saying "I do," it's signing a multi-billion dirham business contract built on hotel ballrooms, a small army of planners, and enough flowers, fireworks, and cake to stun a sultan.

Market Overview

  • The UAE wedding industry was valued at approximately AED 12.5 billion in 2022, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth driven by post-pandemic recovery.
  • In 2023, Dubai alone accounted for 45% of the total UAE wedding market revenue, totaling around AED 6.2 billion.
  • The average annual growth rate of the UAE wedding sector from 2019 to 2023 stood at 12.8%, fueled by luxury tourism.
  • Abu Dhabi's wedding industry contributed AED 3.1 billion to the economy in 2023, with a focus on royal and high-end events.
  • The UAE wedding market is projected to reach AED 18 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 9.5%.
  • In 2022, over 25,000 weddings were registered in the UAE, marking a 20% increase from 2021.
  • The wedding industry in Sharjah grew by 18% in 2023, reaching AED 1.2 billion in value.
  • UAE's wedding sector employed over 150,000 people directly and indirectly in 2023.
  • International weddings in UAE constituted 35% of total events in 2023, attracting 50,000 foreign couples.
  • The digital wedding planning market in UAE grew to AED 800 million in 2023.
  • Ras Al Khaimah's wedding industry saw a 25% surge, valued at AED 900 million in 2023.
  • UAE wedding expos in 2023 generated AED 500 million in leads for vendors.
  • The luxury segment of UAE weddings accounted for 60% of market revenue in 2022.
  • Post-COVID, UAE wedding backlogs led to a 30% increase in events in 2022-2023.
  • Fujairah's niche wedding market reached AED 400 million in 2023.
  • UAE wedding industry market size projected at AED 22 billion by 2030.
  • Wedding services in Ajman valued at AED 700 million in 2023.
  • Umm Al Quwain weddings contribute AED 300 million annually.

Market Overview Interpretation

While lavish vows and designer veils are clearly recession-proof, the UAE wedding industry’s staggering growth—from a pandemic backlog bonanza to a luxury-fueled economic engine employing thousands—proves that saying “I do” is also a resounding “we do” for the national economy.

Sources & References

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