United Arab Emirates (also known as UAE, Emirates) is situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf. It is a federation of seven emirates - Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Islam is the official religion. Arabic is the official language of Emirates.
The relationship between India and UAE has been traditionally close and friendly. Today UAE is home to over 1.75 million Indians. The large Indian expatriate community resides and engages in the UAE in economically productive activities. Some of the dominant South indian communities living in UAE are Tamilians, Keralites, Malyalees, Thiyaa, Nair, ezhava, Tamil Muslims and Kerala Muslims, etc.
When it comes to marrying, Indian NRIs living in UAE prefer Indian girls. However Inter-racial and inter-cultural matrimonies are also common. NRIs living in UAE typically choose India as a wedding location due to its proximity to India.
The wedding traditions right from rituals and customs, wedding attire and wedding food exhibits the flavor of the community and the region of India from where the bride’s and the groom’s families belong. NRI Matrimonies are always celebrated with great fun, enthusiasm and happiness.
Weddings are conducted in traditional manner as per the traditions of bride and grooms community. The wedding is divided into pre-wedding ceremonies, marriage day ceremonies and the post-wedding ceremonies. Brides embellish themselves by putting Indian gold (kundan) and diamond jewelry; apply henna to color hands and feet, and undergo various bridal makeups, including wearing bridal lehnga or saree. The groom typically wears a traditional dress or a designer suit.
