Yesterday marked two years since we were married in an intimate wedding ceremony, and walked down the aisle on a beautiful beach, in Dubai, U.A.E.
We stayed at Al Qasr Hotel in the Madinat, which is in the same complex as the Burj Al Arab (‘world’s most luxurious hotel’, ‘world’s tallest hotel’, and ‘world’s highest atrium’), and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Jumeirah Group owns these massive properties and operates other world renowned luxury hotels & resorts around the globe. Our hotel room that my husband I and stayed at on our wedding night was stunning. It had intricate Arabian decor, and a huge balcony with amazing views of the Arabian sea.
Madinat, Burj Al Arab & Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Our very intimate ceremony (us, our parents, minister & his wife, and photographer) took place right on the Madinat’s pristine white sandy beach, beside the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, with views of the Burj Al Arab. The gorgeous, private, 2km beach connects the Jumeirah properties, with beach butlers to look after your every need. I arrived by abra (traditional boat) to the ceremony and the ride through the canals. (You can watch a video here of an abra ride through the Madinat canals).
The Atlantis Resort on the Palm Island was our wedding reception venue. Driving to the resort, you’d never know you were on a massive man-made island in the shape of a palm tree!
We had our wedding brunch at Al Muntaha restaurant located 200 meters above sea level, in the opulent Burj Al Arab hotel. One of the world’s fastest panoramic elevators, which travels six meters per second, transported us to the 27th floor. Al Muntaha which means ‘The Ultimate or The Top’ in Arabic, lives up to its name by offering incredible views of Jumeirah beach, The Palm island, The World Islands, and the word’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa – all while we enjoyed the ultimate in cuisine. The brunch offered everything from a foie gras station to a plethora of multiple types of caviar. Almost every type of cuisine you could image was offered: sushi, Indian curries, Dim Sum, Italian pastas, fresh squeezed juices, gelato bar, intricate desserts, cakes, chocolates, etc.
Lucky for us, my parents were living in the U.A.E. at the time so they were kind enough to do all the wedding planning in Dubai. If it weren’t for my mom & dad’s generous contribution, it would not have been the perfect fairytale wedding I had always dreamed of!
Atlantis Lobby
Dubai is a jewel in the Middle East and offers something for everyone – delicious dining, great shopping (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Festival City), and fabulous resorts & beaches. Best of all, Dubai’s amazing weather allows for beach lounging all year round.
We would recommend the following activities during your trip to Dubai: Don’t miss Ski Dubai – the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort located inside the Mall of the Emirates. It’s real snow you can experience all year round during the desert heat! Skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, or even go down the hills in an inner-tube.
A desert safari is another must – you’ll experience dune bashing, dinner in the desert, camel riding, belly dancing, henna painting, sand skiing, etc. You will be in the middle of the desert amongst golden sand dunes at sunset – it feels like you’re on another planet. Contact Hormuz Tourism and ask for Salman, he made our safari incredible.
Other highlights are Wild Wadi and Atlantis Waterparks, Dubai Heritage Village, Dubai Museum (lunch on hearty salads and refreshing mint & lime drinks from Basta Art Cafe in its sun-dappled courtyard), Dubai Creek, and the Gold Souk.
