UAE Mass Weddings: Young couples can now apply for the 11th annual ceremony in Sharjah, December 2025 | world News

As the UAE prepares to mark its 54th Eid al Etihad celebrations in December 2025, Sharjah Charity International has officially began to accept the application for its 11th annual mass wedding. It lies in a long -standing Emirti tradition that promotes social unity and financial support for young couples, this initiative increases in scale and importance with expanded eligibility and digital access.
For a long time social tradition anchored in rich values
The concept of collective weddings in the United Arab Emirates was from 1998, with the first incident held in Sharjah under the patronage of the ruler of Emirates. Since then, mass marriages have developed in a major social model that reflects the importance of deeply held values of the Amirti community, mainly solidarity, unity and family stability. Over the years, the Ministry of Community Development has inspired these initiatives to strengthen social taunts by supporting young men and women, encouraging early marriage and strengthening social fabrics to reduce the financial burden on new couples. The objective is not only to preserve cultural traditions, but also to ensure long -term family harmony and happiness. In particular, during the Covid-19 epidemic in 2020, UAE adapted this tradition by organizing the first virtual mass wedding under the banner. “Emerati Joy.” The event was held at five places with 20 grooms at each ceremony, compliance of security protocols and the country’s commitment to maintain its traditions even in challenging times.
Sharjah’s 11th month wedding set for December 2025
Sharjah Charity International has announced that it is now accepting the application for the 11th month wedding to be held in December 2025. The program will match with the 54th Eid al Etihad celebrations and will be under the protection of HH. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy ruler of Sharjah. The initiative supported by the Ministry of Community Development, targets UAE citizens and selects residents with strong relationships for the country, usually gives them a chance to start their marital life without huge costs associated with weddings. The overroach target is to build permanent, stable families contained in rich traditions. Applications for participation are now being specifically accepted through the official website of charity – a step towards digital modernization of its services. A dedicated committee will review the submission after the closure of the registration period to evaluate the eligibility and select the participants.
Who can apply: Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for mass wedding, applicants must meet specific requirements:
- UAE citizens, women UAE citizens, or a person born in UAE, should be a person whose father has provided important services for the country.
- At the time of application, one should be unmarried, ie, for the first time the groom who is not married before.
- Financial requirement should be displayed, in particular, inability to bear the costs of marriage.
- The exception to those who support their families can apply for a father’s death or disability.
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mohammad Rashid bin Bayat highlighted the objective of the initiative: to provide real support to couples who want to get married, but are conducted back by financial obstacles. He encouraged young men and women to take advantage of this program, emphasizing their role in building strong, permanent families in mutual support and cultural identity.
Milestones in the history of UAE’s mass wedding
While Sharjah has played an important role in maintaining the tradition, the other Emirates has also contributed to its development:
- Expo 2020 Dubai witnessed its first traditional mass wedding in March 2022, sponsored by the Interior Ministry and FAZAA Social Security Fund. Conducted near the UAE pavilion at the Gayath trail, the event hosted 100 grooms, with gifts to help them start their married life.
- In June 2019, Abu Dhabi hosted the first mass wedding for non-mirati couples, which is a historic first. The event included separate ceremonies for groom and brides, reflecting both inclusiveness and respect for traditional customs.
- In October 2020, the UAE organized a virtual mass wedding with 100 Emirati grooms, facing epidemic restrictions, ensuring the continuity of tradition in extraordinary circumstances.
Each of these events reflects the commitment to the UAE to develop its own cultural practices for its basic values, community support, family stability and responsible financial planning.