Event Management Federation names Abu Dhabi the world’s leading location for destination weddings

Abu Dhabi gained the title of the world’s top destination for weddings in 2024 at the Event Management Federation (EMF) Ace Global Awards, the flagship gathering for India’s leading weddings and entertainment industry. The Awards were held as part of the EMF Global Conference, which was hosted in Abu Dhabi on 26 and 27 July in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The EMF Global Conference brought together 685 leading figures from the international events industry, including Bollywood Celebrities, renowned International Wedding Planners and service providers from the entertainment industry as well as luxury hotels and resorts, with a focus on the rapidly growing weddings and celebrations sector.

At the end of a two-day schedule, which saw high-profile events held at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island and the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital was officially presented with EMF’s award for ‘Best International destination of the year for Weddings & MICE ‘during a ceremony at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.

Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “It is a great privilege for Abu Dhabi to be named as EMF’s number one choice for couples looking to host an incredible destination wedding in 2024. This title celebrates the diverse and comprehensive landscape of services, offerings, and experiences available to couples who choose to tie the knot in the emirate. As we work towards further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as the go-to location for stunning weddings in a spectacular and welcoming setting, accolades from important industry leaders such as the EMF Global Conference help to prove that we are on the right track.”

The introduction of new and streamlined services catering specifically to the needs of wedding events in Abu Dhabi, such as extending visa support to Indian nationals, introducing fast track and multi-faith options, and the launch of Overseas Offices in India and other key destinations, combine to elevate the emirate’s already extensive appeal as a location for every kind of wedding celebration – a destination that makes each couple’s big day even more special and memorable.

Abu Dhabi’s impressive hospitality landscape, which boasts world-renowned hotels and restaurants, unique year-round entertainment offerings, and easy-to-access services that cater to all tastes – boosted by the destination’s unrivalled connectivity to India and beyond – helped the emirate secure the sought-after award.

The emirate’s growing prominence as a leading destination for weddings and celebrations events has also been spurred by the wealth of attractions, natural beauty and value-added experiences that await couples and families choosing Abu Dhabi for their celebrations. Abu Dhabi has also ensured travellers have access to various options that suit all budgets and requirements, and an effective ecosystem of functions that are readily available to couples and travelling guests, including the facilitation of visas and licences, a 24-hour express service for civil weddings, and places of worship for different faiths, among other amenities.

A major event for the weddings and events industry in India, the EMF Global Conference blends networking and business opportunities for attendees with glamourous celebrations, including a star-studded gathering featuring a guestlist of Bollywood stars.