Because the UAE prepares to mark its 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations in December 2025, Sharjah Charity Worldwide has formally begun accepting functions for its eleventh annual mass marriage ceremony. Rooted in a long-standing Emirati custom that promotes social unity and monetary assist for younger {couples}, the initiative continues to develop in scale and significance, with expanded eligibility and digital entry.
A Longstanding social custom Anchored in Emirati values
The idea of mass weddings within the UAE dates again to 1998, with the very first occasion held in Sharjah beneath the patronage of the Emirate’s Ruler. Since then, mass weddings have developed right into a outstanding social mannequin that displays the Emirati neighborhood’s deeply held values, mainly solidarity, unity, and the significance of household stability. Over time, the Ministry of Group Improvement has led these initiatives to strengthen the social cloth by supporting younger women and men, encouraging early marriage, and lowering the monetary burden on new {couples}. The purpose shouldn’t be solely to protect cultural traditions however to make sure long-term household cohesion and happiness. Notably, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the UAE tailored this custom to the occasions by organising the primary digital mass marriage ceremony beneath the banner “Emirati Pleasure.” The occasion was carried out throughout 5 places with 20 grooms in every ceremony, complying with security protocols and demonstrating the nation’s dedication to upholding its traditions even in difficult occasions.
Sharjah’s eleventh mass marriage ceremony set for december 2025
Sharjah Charity Worldwide has introduced that it’s now accepting functions for its eleventh mass marriage ceremony, to be held in December 2025. The occasion will coincide with the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations and can happen beneath the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Group Improvement, targets UAE nationals and choose residents with sturdy ties to the nation, providing them an opportunity to start their marital life with out the heavy prices usually related to weddings. The overarching purpose is to construct sustainable, secure households rooted in Emirati traditions. Functions for participation are actually being accepted completely by way of the charity’s official web site—a transfer towards digital modernisation of its providers. A devoted committee will evaluation submissions after the registration interval closes to guage eligibility and choose the individuals.
Who can apply: Eligibility standards
To qualify for the mass marriage ceremony, candidates should meet particular necessities:
- Have to be UAE residents, youngsters of feminine UAE residents, or people born within the UAE whose fathers have rendered important providers to the nation.
- Have to be single on the time of software, that’s, first-time grooms who haven’t been married earlier than.
- Should exhibit monetary want, particularly, the lack to afford the prices of marriage.
- Exceptions could apply for these supporting their households resulting from a father’s dying or incapacity.
Vice Chairman of the Board of Administrators, Mohammed Rashid bin Bayat, highlighted the aim of this initiative: to supply real assist to {couples} who want to marry however are held again by monetary constraints. He inspired younger women and men to benefit from this program, emphasizing its function in constructing sturdy, lasting households grounded in mutual assist and cultural identification.
Milestones within the UAE’s mass marriage ceremony historical past
Whereas Sharjah has performed a key function in sustaining the custom, different Emirates have additionally contributed to its evolution:
- Expo 2020 Dubai witnessed its first-ever conventional mass marriage ceremony in March 2022, sponsored by the Ministry of Inside and the Fazaa Social Safety Fund. Held close to the UAE Pavilion at Gayath Path, the occasion hosted 100 grooms, with items offered to assist them begin their married lives.
- In June 2019, Abu Dhabi hosted the primary mass marriage ceremony for non-Emirati {couples}, a historic first. The occasion included separate ceremonies for grooms and brides, reflecting each inclusivity and respect for conventional customs.
- In October 2020, dealing with pandemic-related restrictions, the UAE carried out a digital mass marriage ceremony with 100 Emirati grooms, guaranteeing continuity of custom beneath extraordinary circumstances.
Every of those occasions displays the UAE’s dedication to evolving its cultural practices whereas staying true to its core values, neighborhood assist, household stability, and accountable monetary planning.
