Al Derei tribe group wedding for 40 draws 7,000 guests in Al Ain
Celebration follows Medeem Model for Women’s Weddings initiative
ABU DHABI – A large-scale celebration brought together more than 7,000 guests in the Al Ain region, as the Al Derei tribe hosted a group wedding for 40 people in Al Quaa.
Held under the supervision of the Department of Community Development (DCD), the ceremony followed the Medeem Model for Women’s Weddings, an initiative aimed at promoting social cohesion and supporting the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy.
The men’s gathering welcomed over 5,000 attendees while more than 2,000 women joined the festivities in Al Quaa Wedding Hall. Organised by tribe members and community volunteers, the wedding combined traditional values with modern simplicity, offering a cost-effective yet elegant celebration for Emirati couples embarking on married life.
Under the supervision of @DCDAbuDhabi, Al Derei tribe has hosted a group wedding for 40 people following Medeem Model for Women’s Weddings. With more than 7,000 guests in Al Quaa, Al Ain Region, the wedding reflects UAE tradition and supports Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy. pic.twitter.com/lkYLuEbykL
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) August 28, 2025
The Medeem initiative encourages families to embrace weddings that are both affordable and deeply rooted in Emirati customs, enabling couples to start their lives together on firm foundations while reducing financial burdens.
What made this unique?
Unlike conventional large-scale weddings, the celebration was designed with an emphasis on maintaining simplicity. Refreshments and arrangements reflected Emirati traditions while incorporating modern touches. The event also underlined the importance of family participation, with community members volunteering to ensure smooth organisation.
How does Medeem support families?
The Medeem initiative, overseen by the Department of Community Development, raises awareness about the value of starting marriage on stable financial and emotional grounds. It encourages wedding models that avoid unnecessary extravagance, while promoting cultural authenticity. By doing so, it reinforces the UAE’s vision of family stability as a cornerstone of a harmonious society.
Earlier this year in January, the Al Derei tribe organised another group wedding in Al Quaa, uniting 22 Emirati couples. That event also followed the Medeem Model for Women’s Weddings and included traditional gatherings for both men and women.
Dr Hilal Saeed Al Derei, one of the key organisers, said that 20 group weddings in the Al Quaa area generated total savings worth Dh314 million. Of this, approximately Dh117.9 million was saved directly by young couples, while Dh196 million was saved by the wider community through reduced women’s wedding preparations.
He noted that the organisation of these mass weddings not only eases financial pressures but also strengthens social unity, with the support of the UAE leadership ensuring the continuation of such cultural milestones in Abu Dhabi.