A fairytale city of otherworldly skyscrapers and fanciful artificial islands populated with resorts and luxury residences, Dubai glitters as the crown jewel of the United Arab Emirates, a global Persian Gulf crossroads that draws upon diverse cultures to offer the very best in service, fine dining, and entertainment. From souk to sea, Dubai is a modern desert oasis with an intriguing appeal for a destination wedding that taps into the ancient world of Arabia.
Dubai
Sand-dune dinners, beachfront soirees, and playtime at waterparks, the Dubai Mall, hammam spas, and of course the city’s traditional marketplace can all be part of your wedding weekend plans—not to mention some four-wheeling fun out in the desert. The stunning Burj Al Arab is one of the most famous and recognizable hotels in the world: arriving by helicopter on the rooftop is practically de rigueur for a Burj wedding, and your guests can dance and dine under the world’s largest Swarovski chandelier in the resort’s luxe Al Falak Ballroom—styled after the Vienna Opera House—or celebrate with you in the dramatic Assawan Amphitheatre overlooking the hotel atrium.
Seeking style as well as sophistication? It’s hard to top the Armani Hotel Dubai, a sleek beauty inspired by the design aesthetic of Giorgio Armani. The popular Armani Pavilion is an exhilarating outdoor reception space that faces the lovely Dubai Fountain. For a regal affair, the One&Only Royal Mirage Palace has meticulously tended gardens and opulent accommodations laid out on a mile of private beachfront; the Al Koufra Fortress recalls Dubai’s storied past, offering a private courtyard amid a traditional walled compound that sets the stage for a historic wedding with up to 100 guests.
Written By: Bob Curley
Location: One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, United Arab Emirates