Dubai has solidified its reputation as a premier global destination for weddings and celebrations, following the highly successful second edition of the Dubai Wedding Symposium (DWS). The event, held recently across various city locations, underscored Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, exceptional service, and diverse offerings, drawing industry experts and event planners from around the globe.
Organised by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the DWS aligns with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy and further consolidate its position as a leading global city for business and leisure. The symposium served as a vital platform for international wedding experts, industry professionals, and influencers to network, exchange best practices, and experience Dubai’s extensive wedding ecosystem firsthand. This year's symposium saw a significant increase in international participation, with more than 100 international wedding planners and stakeholders attending. Delegates hailed from various regions, including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Asia Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Africa. This represented a 7 per cent year-on-year increase in delegate numbers, with 37 countries represented – a 19 per cent increase from 2024. Local engagement also saw a substantial boost, with Dubai-based stakeholder participation doubling to 67 partners. The number of curated one-to-one meetings surged by an impressive 226 per cent, reinforcing the symposium’s role as a high-impact networking platform. Attendees experienced the city's unparalleled wedding venues and supplier network, including key partners like Atlantis The Royal and Wedding by Emaar, alongside 25 hospitality venues and 40 wedding industry suppliers. 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 DWS 2025 also delved into emerging industry conversations, such as the integration of wellness as a key pillar in wedding planning. A panel, ‘Wellness in Weddings,’ brought together international planners and a local wellness expert to explore the growing demand for holistic wellbeing experiences, from pre-wedding fitness to mindful event design. Luxury wedding designer Karen Tran, with over 25 years of global experience, shared insights on scaling a luxury events business, identifying trusted partners and maintaining creative consistency. The destination wedding market is projected to grow from an estimated $48 billion in 2025 to $137 billion by 2029, according to Research and Markets’ 2025 Destination Wedding Global Market Report. Dubai's strategic location, unrivalled airline connectivity (flights from Europe, Asia, and Africa in under eight hours), and flexible visa options (including visa-on-arrival for over 50 nationalities) enhance its appeal. The city offers a world-class infrastructure, boasting over 830 hotels and resorts, and diverse venue options from cityscapes to beaches, gardens, and deserts. This is supported by comprehensive 360-degree wedding services, experienced planners and a global gastronomy scene influenced by nearly 200 nationalities.