The second edition of the Dubai Wedding Symposium (DWS) has solidified Dubai’s reputation as a premier global destination for weddings and celebrations. Held at various locations across the city, the event attracted over 100 international delegates, marking a significant increase in global participation compared to the previous year.
Organized by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, the symposium, executed by Vivaah Weddings and led by UAE-based event planner Arun Bablani, brought together wedding professionals, planners, and influencers from around the world. This year’s event saw representation from 37 countries, a 19% increase from 2024. Delegates had the opportunity to explore a range of world-class venues and suppliers, showcasing Dubai’s capacity to host diverse celebrations with exceptional service and breathtaking settings.
Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President, International Operations at Dubai Corporation of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “At the second Dubai Wedding Symposium, Dubai proudly showcased itself as a leading destination for unforgettable weddings, aligning with the aspirations of our visionary leadership to transform Dubai into the best city to visit, live and work in, as part of the long-term objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. The resounding success of this international symposium, our flagship lifestyle event, served to highlight the city’s unparalleled appeal for all types of celebrations. Once again, this achievement was largely made possible by the wholehearted support extended by our stakeholders and partners – a true testament to Dubai’s longstanding and strong public-private partnership model. With delegates from six continents joining us, we were able to ensure that Dubai remained at the forefront of the world’s preferred cities for destination weddings, as a vibrant place where celebrants can immerse themselves in culture, cuisine, and celebration, experience exceptional venues, services and attractions, and take advantage of the city’s global connectivity. Together with our partners, we are committed to further promoting Dubai’s unique proposition as the dream destination for couples and those seeking to celebrate life’s most cherished milestones.”
The symposium also served as a platform for discussing emerging trends in the wedding industry, including the increasing demand for wellness-focused wedding experiences. A special panel, ‘Wellness in Weddings,’ brought together global experts to explore the integration of wellness practices into wedding planning, ranging from pre-wedding fitness routines to mindful event design.
Additionally, luxury wedding designer Karen Tran shared her insights on scaling a global wedding business, drawing from her extensive experience working in more than 50 countries and creating high-value events.
As the destination wedding market continues to grow, with projections indicating a rise from $48 billion in 2025 to $137 billion by 2029, DWS highlighted key industry trends, including the growing demand for personalized, sustainable, and culturally immersive celebrations.
Dubai’s appeal as a wedding destination is bolstered by its world-class infrastructure, including more than 830 hotels and resorts, stunning venues such as cityscapes, beaches, gardens, and deserts, and a vibrant culinary scene influenced by nearly 200 nationalities. With unparalleled connectivity and a range of visa options, the city is uniquely positioned to serve couples seeking a memorable wedding experience.
