Known for its larger-than-life, exuberant, and pompous wedding events, the Middle-Eastern wedding industry is all gearing up to welcome wedding tourism all over again after the hit of COVID-19. The Middle East destination wedding market is worth $4.5 billion and controls 5% of the global destination wedding market, with the UAE being the most popular spot. The UAE’s popularity for weddings was attributed to its relaxed visa regulations, climate, easy connectivity, and diversity in the scenery.
The 6th episode of the DWP Biz Edge Series stunningly captured the rising sentiments of wedding connoisseurs from the Middle East. Putting the spotlight on this market, renowned industry experts discussed the trends, future, and changing dynamics of weddings in this wonderful region. Well-known faces from the industry such as Aseel Al Ansari from Bahrain, Ghada Blanco from Lebanon, Majeda Bisharat from Jordon, and Ian Renton & Steen Jakobsen from UAE got together for the DWP BIZ EDGE Episode 6 and shared exceptional insights into the world of ultra-luxurious Middle-Eastern weddings.
Dubai Is Ready When You Are Ready!
Picture Courtesy: @visit.dubai
Steen Jakobsen from Dubai Tourism shared insights on the measures taken by the Dubai government to reinsure confidence. Dubai has been significant in reopening its border on the 7th of July with safety being the number 1 priority. Their strict protocols and proactive actions played a significant role in reopening businesses with new guidelines. The leading airlines Fly Dubai and Emirates are back in action. Emirates is operating in 70 destinations and Fly Dubai in 25. Hotels, shopping malls, tourism attractions, and beaches have opened again in compliance with safety protocols given by the Ministry of Health & Prevention. A further token of safety was extended as a collaboration among The Dubai Tourism, Dubai Municipality, and Department of Economic Development where they developed a safety stamp for hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and attractions ensuring all the high-standard safety protocols have been taken care for tourists and residents in the establishments they go into.
The World Travel and Tourism Council has recognized Dubai as a “safe destination” giving a safe travel stamp that validates the stringent standards being implemented in all the touchpoints. Dubai is incredibly well-connected and the 4th most visited city that offers a perfect backdrop for destination weddings. There are award-winning hotels and there’s an abundance of attractions and shopping options available for tourists.
A ray of hope has emerged as he further points about the measures taken to resume weddings. Currently, they are formulating health and safety guidelines for weddings which are expected to be resumed in Q4. The resources to plan weddings are readily available. At the moment, they are building new strategies for wedding segments, and tourism boards are happy to connect wedding professionals to stakeholders. Whenever there’s a specific request, they are willing to customize.
In the end, Dubai is ready, when you are ready is the bottom line he shared. And that’s the kind of confidence we need right now to plan weddings and events again.
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai Is Reminaging The Venue Space
Picture Courtesy: @atlantisdubai
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams, beautifully pointed out Ian Renton, Director of Sales, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai when he acquainted us about how this award-winning property is prepping to attract visitors post-COVID-19.
Building Confidence – “For planners and designers, we are trying to build the confidence that the destination is safe. We are letting them know about how we are implementing the safety protocols listed by the government in our property. Ultimately, it’s about bringing back the business to normal with proper health and safety protocol measures.”
More Unique Spaces – “We are looking into our unique wedding spaces as there’s a big demand for small wedding options. With that, we have the opportunity to use nontraditional options like The Aquarium, or the Royal Bridge Suite that overlooks Palm Jumeriah and the Arabian Gulf.”
Reimaging the Product – Atlantis has undergone refurbishment. “Our ballroom is in lockdown from March, but the demand for weddings is still there. Frequent sanitization of conference rooms with proper social distancing is followed. Buffet restaurants are open but no self-service. Progressing with opening up Atlantis Royal in 2021 – that offers multiple outdoor options and an elevated sense of luxury. Reestablishment is the key.”
Booking Flexibility – They have adjusted the deposits that they’ve got and are looking into offering increased flexibility as things are changing rapidly. Weddings are the only segment that has seen the smallest amount of decrease in terms of demand and is growing week over week. This is surely a piece of positive news and gives us hope for the future of destination weddings.
Trends Post Covid-19 For Middle-Eastern Clients
Picture Courtesy: @myeventdesign
Majeda Bisharat, Founder of My Event Design from Jordon highlights the key trends as per the demands of Middle-Eastern clients post-COVID-19.
Micro Vs Macro wedding – With the focus on social distancing, the way we celebrate has changed. From a big wedding up to 1000 guests to micro weddings and intimate weddings, the trend is tilting towards smaller sized weddings that are small but still lush and luxurious with lots of details and customization. They are easy to control and families can enjoy more quality time with the guests.
Outdoor vs Indoor – With COVID-19 restrictions, outdoor wedding spaces are getting popular because they offer an ample amount of social distancing. Homes, gardens, rooftops, or courtyards are getting increasingly popular.
Tablescape vs Production – With minimum time and space, big productions like a dance floor or bridal entrance are on hold. Focus is more on the table decor that has bold florals, oversized centerpieces, and chandeliers. Fairy lights decor is on-trend. Table flowers are becoming more of a design rather than throwing some little items together. Flowers that are long-lasting, locally sourced, and are low maintenance should be used.
Innovative vs Normal Layouts – Innovations like a king-sized table, that are wider than usual and snake-shaped table are in demand. A sweetheart table for 2 people is perfect for social distancing.
Personalization & Customization- Brides and groom want their wedding to reflect who they are. By adding personal touches to their wedding, they are showing their love and appreciation to guests by customizing gifts for guests with long messages and thank you notes.
Local vs International – With restrictions on travel, we are dependent on local vendors to source for wedding supplies. In this way, we can also support our community.
Seated vs Buffet – Having a micro wedding doesn’t mean we need to cut down on our 6-course meal. Seated dinners with proper safety protocols are the new normal and should be implemented to maintain food hygiene.
Role Of Wedding Planners Post-COVID-19 Period
Picture Courtesy: @ghadablanco
Ghada Blanco, Owner of Ghada Blanco Weddings & Events from Lebanon, a very well-known name across the globe, rightly pointed out the role of a wedding planner in rebuilding the framework of luxury weddings.
In the post-COVID era, weddings will be much bigger and spectacular, and the role of a wedding planner cannot be more emphasized for planning their special day now than before. However, it is very important to start thinking out of the box. What is the new normal, what are the new trends? We need to ponder on these topics before planning. Hygiene will be the biggest trend and as a planner, we need to plan everything around it. They are having a PCR set for all their staff and hygiene stations are placed to ensure the highest measures are being taken. As an organizer we have a lot to do, we have to be transparent and trust clients with their choices and opinions. A lot of things will be virtual. There will be live-streaming. More outdoor weddings than ballrooms will happen. People will not be ready to completely believe that it’s safe, but as a planner, we need to build that confidence gradually. We need to be more creative. For example, sending them online menus on their phone to order. Being an organizer it’s not just about flowers and decor, it is about making them feel safe now. Under unusual circumstances, we have to make them feel special. It is vital, to be honest organizers and an honest mediator between couples and suppliers. Be prepared for the opportunity.
Changes In Middle-Eastern Weddings Post-COVID Era
Picture Courtesy: @weddingsandeventsco
With years of experience, Aseel Al-Ansari, Founder of Weddings & Events Co. from Bahrain believes that smaller weddings will prevail for a long time and strongly supports postponement over cancelations. She recommends the following points that can be implemented to carve a pathway for weddings ahead.
Strictly limiting the guests – 15% of the guests to be invited according to the capacity of the space. Host smaller events in larger rooms. Taking a guest’s confirmation in advance can help in putting a cap on the number of people attending the wedding.
Modifying Layouts – We have to change the style of seating keeping 6ft distance between everyone. Increase individual seating. More corridors, entrance, and exits can help to make the flow of people easier.
Encourage Cloth Face Coverings – Encourage hygiene practices by telling them to wear masks for their safety and guests’ safety. This little step is vital in a function where people can come in close contact with others.
Limit Event Hours – No extending the time, when the time is off, the time is off. It means fewer interactions for people, thus reducing the spread. Have them in groups where few people can attend in the morning and the others in the evening. In that way, we can ensure hygiene and limit interactions.
Food Services– Buffets have to be stopped. Be more creative and fancy in design by using disposable cutlery as it’s safer. Hygiene stations should be there to make guests feel comfortable and that things are there when they need them.
In the end, she gave a piece of very positive advice: Don’t be shy! It’s for your health and your guests. Let’s encourage safety in our planning while enjoying the ceremony.
We will bounce back stronger was the common sentiment shared in the end among all the panelists. Don’t stop believing, let’s continue to dream today and celebrate tomorrow. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Feature Image Credit: @ghadablanco
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