Dubai: The UAE is rejoicing over the Al Maktoum weddings this Eid Al Fitr, that are bringing double joy to the festive season.
###
Three sons of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, have married three women from the Al Maktoum family.
###
Their marriage on May 15 (which was a private family ceremony) and the subsequent wedding reception have captured the imagination of the entire nation, as well as well-wishers beyond the Emirates, with pictures and videos of the exquisitely-decorated palace going viral.
######
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and two of his brothers are having a grand wedding celebration at Dubai World Trade Centre today. The official reception ceremony at Dubai World Trade Centre at 4pm is expected to be attended by thousands of guests from around the world.
###
Shaikh Hamdan is married to Shaikha Shaikha Bint Saeed Bin Thani Al Maktoum. Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, is married to Shaikha Maryam Bint Butti Al Maktoum. Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, is married to Shaikha Madiyah Bint Dalmook Al Maktoum.
###
Mohammad Bin Zayed’s wishes
###
Soon after the news of their marriages was announced last month, congratulations poured in for all of them and best wishes for the UAE leadership. Leading the congratulations was His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nayan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. “My heartfelt congratulations to my brother Mohammad Bin Rashid on the occasion of the marriage of his sons Hamdan, Maktoum and Ahmed,” Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed said on Twitter.
###
Among the many UAE residents to wish them was the grooms’ governess, known on social media as Mama Noora. She shared an image of elegant gift boxes – with golden Arabic calligraphy and containing Omani halwa (sweet) — that were delivered to friends of the family. Also making their way on social media some days later were images of the wedding invitation cards. The card was placed in a wooden box which was sent in a red bag.
###
Decked in lights
######
More recently, clips and snaps of a royal residence decked with countless lights — as is the Emirati tradition during weddings — captivated viewers. Sharing the joy of his three sons’ marriage, Shaikh Mohammad penned a new poem in which he spoke about the happiness filling the UAE skies at the wonderful news. The poem was posted on his Instagram account. The reception at the Trade Centre is for men only; a separate celebration will be held for women. The event will see grooms and guests wearing the formal bisht (cloak) over the white kandoura.
###
Excerpts from a poem by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid on the marriage of his sons
###
“UAE nights are full
of joy and melodies
Its skies coloured in vibrant hues
The nation looks radiant in green
A garden bloomed with flowers
The blowing wind
and the silent desert
Are with the beauty of roses adorned.
Why not? For the UAE is celebrating
the wedding of Ahmad,
Maktoum and Hamdan.
The fragrance of flowers
fills every corner
Happiness hugs the nation
in days of delight…
Oh my sons, I spent nights
caring about you
I raised you as a falcon
raises its chicks…
Good morals make you
the knights of nobility
That I have taught you.
Aim high and seek glory
That I have taught you.
Defend your country against injustice
That I have taught you.
I taught you the history of Zayed,
whose name is glory
Oh my sons, I am full
of joy and pride…
Today, my efforts continue
in your marriage
For marriage fulfils faith and regard
I congratulate you with all my heart.
My sons, always treat
people with respect
This I advise you.
Embrace the grace of
good people close to you
This I advise you.
My sons, be united always
And be respectful of your wives
Abide by the teachings
of your ancestors
That’s how life thrives with power.”