Dubai Wedding Symposium 2024

We were recently invited to Dubai for the inaugural Dubai Wedding Symposium, as guests of The Department of Economy & Tourism and Arun Bablania, owner of luxury wedding planning company Vivaah Weddings. This prestigious event was designed to showcase Dubai to just 100 of the world's best wedding planners, and we are honored to have been included on this exclusive VIP guest list.

The objective of The Dubai Wedding Symposium 2024 (#DWS2024) was to elevate Dubai's profile within the global wedding community by connecting some of the world's most elite wedding planners with local businesses and suppliers in Dubai. It allowed us to network and collaborate with fellow industry colleagues from all over the world and showcased Dubai's unparalleled potential as a premier destination for luxury weddings and celebrations worldwide. This enabled us to experience firsthand what Dubai has to offer and discover the many ways that it can assist us in designing exceptional events for our couples and clients.

The by-invitation-only event took place from the 16th to the 18th of February 2024 in Dubai. It was limited to only the most renowned luxury wedding planners, industry influencers, and media houses from around the globe, with a focus on positioning this iconic city as a world-class destination for luxury weddings, events, and parties. The three-day symposium was dedicated to discussing trending topics within the luxury weddings industry and meeting local businesses, along with site visits to hotels and exclusive venues in the city. We were flown from the UK to Dubai by the world-class Emirates Airline and were greeted in Dubai by our driver, who then took us to our home for the duration of the trip, the iconic 5 star Palazzo Versace Hotel.

PALAZZO VERSACE DUBAI

The Palazzo Versace Dubai Hotel is the epitome of luxury and serves as a sanctuary that embodies the essence of the Versace lifestyle. Resembling a 16th-century Italian Palace, this five-star hotel has been meticulously renovated with elements of everything we expect from the classic Italian designer. Each of its 215 luxury rooms, including 65 suites, are adorned with exquisite furnishings from the Versace Home Collection, available in hues of turquoise, blue, beige, gold, or salmon, ensuring that each stay truly reflects the essence of the Versace brand. This Neoclassical venue features subtle Arabian architectural accents, boasting a breathtaking entrance, lofty ceilings, landscaped gardens, and an array of finely crafted Italian furnishings

WELCOME PARTY

The Dubai Wedding Symposium 2024 commenced with the most spectacular welcome party at Nara Desert Escape, a unique event space in the heart of the Arabian desert. It was an immersive evening with delicious food, fabulous cocktails & entertainment including belly dancers, fire eaters, henna artists & a custom ring fire show - the perfect start to a wedding planning weekend in Dubai. On a side note, during my next trip, I’m definitely booking a Nara nest. I don’t do camping, but this is the most luxurious glamping that I have ever seen and I would be more than happy to enjoy a few days of luxurious camping at Nara!

CONFERENCE & BEACH PARTY

Attendees gathered with esteemed colleagues from across the globe at the Taj on the Palm for a conference symposium that perfectly blended networking, learning, and cultural immersion. We engaged in discussions about the latest trends and innovations in luxury weddings around the world, exchanged insights, and forged invaluable connections with fellow industry leaders. Each session brought fresh perspectives and inspiration, whilst site visits to exclusive venues showcased Dubai's unrivaled allure as a premier destination for extravagant celebrations. Amidst the glitz and glamour, the symposium fostered a spirit of camaraderie, uniting us in our shared passion for creating unforgettable experiences for our clients. Reflecting on this enriching experience, it was evident that the symposium not only elevated Dubai's profile within the global events community but also left an indelible mark on our own individual professional journeys.

Following a day of networking in Dubai, we were invited to Banyan Tree Dubai for a white party soiree on the beach. Nestled on the tranquil shores of Bluewaters Island, this 5-star hotel has its own private beachfront overlooking the Arabian Gulf and is located close to The Jumeirah Beach Residences and Dubai Marina.

Dubai's beach parties are legendary and amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets lies a haven of sun, sand, and sea, always the perfect setting for an unforgettable beach party experience! The beaches are bathed in golden sunlight by day and many are transformed into a pulsating hub of music and laughter by night.

Perfectly located next to the stunning pool area, with the famous Ain Dubai Ferris wheel as a backdrop, this white party event would be a perfect addition to any wedding weekend in Dubai.

EXLPORING DUBAI & GALA DINNER

It is so important for a professional wedding planner to get insights into all of the national and international destinations available for our couples and clients, so that we can provide the very best experiences for them. We boarded a luxury Yacht and sailed to The World, a collection of man-made islands constructed in the shape of a world map, located in the waters of the Persian Gulf, off the coast of Dubai. We visited more exclusive venues, which once again showcased Dubai's unrivaled allure as a premiere destination for extravagant celebrations.

On the final evening, we gathered together one last time at the bottom of the iconic Burj Khalifa for a gala dinner, with mesmerizing views over the glittering cityscape of Dubai. Amidst the backdrop of one of the world's most famous landmarks, this exclusive gathering saw a group of creative wedding industry experts, who share a passion for crafting extraordinary celebrations, come together for a wonderful event of our own. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the city, the collective energy of the gathering surged, fueled by the promise of endless possibilities in the world of luxury weddings. In this enchanted setting, under the watchful gaze of the Burj Khalifa, bonds were forged, ideas ignited and dreams spun into reality, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of the wedding industry.

We are delighted to have been invited to join the illustrious Dubai Wedding Symposium and have been able to connect with the very best of hospitality at iconic venues in Dubai including Armani Hotel Dubai, Address Beach Resort, Banyan Tree Dubai, Taj Palm Dubai, Atlantis Royal, Palazzo Versace, Waldorf Dubai, Ritz Carlton Dubai & Weddings by Emmar and look forward to planning a dream wedding at one of these luxurious venues very soon.

Photo / Video: Courtesy of The Department of Economy & Tourism and Vivaah Weddings