"Weddings are also a key revenue stream"
Abu Dhabi has announced visa support for Indian couples hosting destination weddings.
In a bid to establish Abu Dhabi as a premier wedding destination, the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) announced an initiative to provide visa support for Indian nationals.
The announcement was made during the Arabian Travel Market 2024, with the new initiative starting in May 2024.
The move is part of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors by 2030.
Currently, Indian nationals are subject to visa requirements when planning to travel to the United Arab Emirates.
But requirements differ, based on the number of days Indians plan to stay and the purpose of their trip.
For those planning to travel for tourism purposes, required documents include a valid passport, PAN Card and Photograph among others.
India is one of the world’s largest markets for destination weddings.
As a result, ADCEB’s Destination Wedding segment is focusing on extending visa support to Indian weddings, covering visa costs.
This initiative aims to position Abu Dhabi as a world-leading destination for weddings and various celebrations.
The city offers a mix of cultural and entertainment attractions, making it an appealing choice for international visitors.
In a statement, ADCEB said: “It provides an avenue to amplify the Emirate’s unique cultural and entertainment offerings, cultural attractions and natural landscapes for international audiences.
“Weddings are also a key revenue stream for the hospitality sector, driving venue and hotel room occupancy, and the service industry sectors such as wedding planning, photography, catering, personal services and more.”
By attracting more destination weddings, Abu Dhabi hopes to increase its GDP contribution to £19.3 billion by 2030.
The ADCEB plays a vital role in organising business events and destination weddings in Abu Dhabi.
By bringing together experts and stakeholders, they secure convention business and develop strategies to promote Abu Dhabi as a premier hub for business tourism and celebrations.
Indian weddings are renowned for their grandeur, with destination weddings epitomising this extravagance.
India boasts over 790,000 high-net-worth individuals, including 161 billionaires, who frequently seek luxurious venues for their celebrations.
The thriving economy and celebrity endorsements have further amplified these desires.
High-profile Indian families often charter flights, rent gondolas in Venice, hire Michelin-starred chefs in Rome and even close famous casinos in Monte Carlo for their weddings.
With Abu Dhabi’s new visa support initiative, it could soon become a preferred destination for these lavish weddings.
The UAE’s capital also aims to create up to 178,000 new jobs within the Tourism ecosystem.
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