The destination wedding market in the GCC countries, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is expected to experience significant growth from an estimated USD 3.7 billion in 2025 to USD 8.7 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 8.9% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2035.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Industry Size (2025E) | USD 3,725.6 Million |
| Projected Value (2035F) | USD 8,764.8 Million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 8.9% |
The growth of the destination wedding segment in the GCC is driven by a growing demand for luxurious and unique wedding experiences, as well as a growing demand for a mix of tradition and modernity. The region is open to growing demand from couples looking for exclusivity and sophistication. Social media and influencer marketing trends also greatly enhance the popularity of these destination weddings.
Surprisingly, the UAE and Saudi Arabia offer a perfect mix of world-class facilities, historic sites, and pristine landscapes. The destination wedding market of the GCC countries is expected to evolve slowly over the next decade, offering great opportunities for wedding planning service companies, venues, and the hospitality industry, especially in cities like Dubai and Riyadh.
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A comparative study of the difference in the CAGR between the base year (2024) and the current year (2025) shows a dynamic shift in the growth trend of the market. While there was steady demand in 2024, 2025 is expected to see an increase in bookings, particularly by foreign couples seeking unusual destinations in the GCC.
The first half of 2025 is forecast to show a growth rate of 8.1%, slightly rising to 8.7% in the second half as more specialized venues and high-end service providers enter the market. With growing numbers of international couples seeking out GCC Countries Destinations, this will contribute to a robust increase in wedding-related services.
Footprint of the GCC Countries Wedding Tourism Industry in the Middle East (2024)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Value | The GCC wedding tourism industry is valued at $4 billion, contributing 40% of the Middle East’s $10 billion wedding tourism market. |
| Top GCC Markets | UAE (50% of GCC market), Saudi Arabia (30%), Qatar (10%), Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait (collectively 10%). |
| Domestic Market Share | Domestic weddings contribute 60% of the GCC wedding tourism revenue, driven by lavish local ceremonies and luxury venues. |
| International Market Share | International weddings make up 40%, attracting couples from Europe, India, and the wider Middle East region. |
| Competitive Edge | The GCC is known for ultra-luxury venues, desert-themed weddings, and iconic cityscapes such as Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace. |
| Top Wedding Seasons | Winter and early spring dominate due to favorable weather, while summer remains low season due to extreme heat. |
| Key Trends | Growth in destination weddings, private island celebrations, and cultural fusion weddings appealing to global tastes. |
The GCC countries lead the Middle East wedding tourism, while they represent nearly half of the total market value in the region. Amongst the three top leaders, the UAE is first followed by Saudi and Qatar has placed itself at the top of the list for their lavish as well as unique wedding celebrations.
The luxury hotel, private island, and famous cityscape scenery of the UAE dominates the wedding tourism market within the GCC region. For international couples who have a penchant for grandeur and exclusivity, venues like the Burj Al Arab in Dubai and Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi are sought-after options. At the same time, Saudi is picking up on its newly-opened luxury resorts and cultural weddings, particularly those in AlUla.
The GCC is an attractive destination for international couples, fusing luxury with tradition. Desert-themed weddings, including camel processions and Bedouin-style settings, are on the rise and offer a unique cultural experience. Cultural fusion weddings also cater to diverse tastes, blending South Asian, Western, and Arab traditions.
The GCC countries continue to find their niche as a key player in the wedding tourism landscape in the Middle East, attracting not only regional clientele but also international ones, in focus on luxury, unique cultural experiences, and high-end services.
| Date | Development & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Launch of Luxury Desert Weddings by Arabia weddings: A unique package offering weddings in the heart of the desert, combining luxury tents and traditional Arabian culture with modern amenities. |
| Oct 2024 | Beachfront Venues by UAE Weddings: The introduction of new luxury beachfront venues along the UAE coastline to cater to couples seeking scenic coastal weddings. |
| May 2024 | Exclusive Royal Wedding Packages by Saudi Weddings: A new line of royal palace-style wedding offerings in Riyadh, aimed at those looking for an extravagant and culturally rich experience. |
| Mar 2024 | Cultural Wedding Experiences by Gulf Weddings: A variety of customizable wedding packages incorporating traditional Middle Eastern customs in iconic locations like the UAE’s Dubai Opera and Saudi’s AlUla. |
| June 2024 | Ali Bakhtiar Designs: DWP Award Recognition – Received the DWP ACE Award for Best Wedding Planner in the UAE. Emaar Wedding Fair Showcase – Showcased opulent bridal chairs and grand entrances. |
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% Share of Individual Categories by Wedding Type and Service Planning in 2025
Beach Weddings: A Dominant Trend
Beach weddings are fast becoming the trend; it is estimated that this specific segment of the wedding market will control approximately 30% of the global wedding business by 2025. The force behind the trend is the enormous demand for something different and memorable in terms of wedding experience. The picturesque and romantic nature of beach weddings, with gorgeous sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters against the stunning backdrop of sunsets, draws many couples into utilizing this venue for their wedding.
Quite specifically, it is places such as Dubai, which are famous for their upscale beaches and world-class resorts, that have seen a rise in demand for beachfront ceremonies. The Palm Jumeirah, for example, with its high-class hotels and private islands, offers an exclusive setting that combines natural beauty with five-star amenities. Couples are going to places like these for a combination of seclusion, peace, and the fact that they can hold their party within a visually beautiful setting.
With a beach wedding, one has ample freedom to have the theme or design of his choice. It may be as simple as an early morning sunrise ceremony or it can be an extensive sunset bash with hundreds of guests. This way, there are always boundless options when it comes to customizing in an ocean environment. Moreover, luxury resorts can give clients the luxury of having access to first-class amenities. Beach weddings are still a strong competition in the wedding market, especially in locations where pristine beaches combine with top-end resorts.
Catering Services Play Crucial Role
Catering service is one of the most important markets in the GCC destination wedding of countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as a significant role is played in satisfying the customers' satisfaction. The weddings in this region are more indulgent activities; a well-established catering service is part of that indulgence. Cuisine takes the center stage of Middle Eastern life, and traditional fare, including kebabs, biryanis, and mezze, are always at the heart of weddings, thereby ensuring rich and authentic culinary experiences.
Therefore, couples in the GCC look to find a balance between tradition and modernity in their wedding catering services. They want to include traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its strong flavors, along with international foods to cater to the diverse tastes of their guests. The culinary options represent the dishes themselves but also symbolize the cultural heritage of the couple while offering a world-class cuisine experience.
Due to the increasing tendency of destination marriages in Dubai and Jeddah, the wedding catering market had become competitive to encourage coordination by wedding planners with luxury venues, as well as specialist caterers, to achieve exquisite menus appealing to both international and local demands. However, beyond the actual culinary options or menu, high attention to the details of serving, presentation, and personalizing the wedding menu are the more important drivers toward customer satisfaction while making catering an essential driver in the success of weddings within the GCC.
The GCC Countries Destination wedding market is moderately fragmented, with both international and regional wedding planners that cater to an extensive variety of wedding types. Major players, such as Arabia Weddings and Saudi Weddings, Ali Bakhtiar Designs dominate the market by providing different packages for different types of weddings. The boutique operators, however, have been gaining popularity among couples for specialized and intimate wedding experiences.
2025 Market Share of GCC Countries Destination Wedding Players
Expected market shareholders include major firms like Ali Bakhtiar Designs, Vivaah Weddings, Carousel Events, Karen Tran Events, Design lab Experience, Arabia weddings, and Saudi Weddings, known for their reputation and high-quality services. Niche operators focusing on desert or cultural weddings are also expected to see a growing share of the market.
Small and niche companies in the GCC wedding tourism industry are making their mark by offering bespoke, luxurious, and culturally immersive wedding experiences. They use the region's opulence, unique landscapes, and heritage to cater to the exclusive and bespoke celebrations of couples.
Boutique planners like Desert Dreams Events specialize in desert-themed weddings, offering an intimate setup under starry skies with traditional elements like camel processions, Bedouin-style tents, and Arabian cuisine. Such offerings characterize boutique players as unlike their large counterparts, focusing on smaller, more detail-oriented experiences.
Companies like Luxury Oasis Weddings in the UAE specialize in private island weddings, providing the most opulent wedding ceremonies for those seeking seclusion. On the other hand, Pearl Coast Weddings in Bahrain is all about seaside weddings, blending a dramatic coastal scenery with local culture, such as pearl-themed designs inspired by the country's rich maritime heritage.
EcoWeds Qatar, focused on sustainability, leads the pack with solar-powered venues, offering recyclable décore and organic catering, along with other eco-friendly options for weddings as more couples seek green ceremonies.
Small to niche players thrive by focusing on creativity, cultural authenticity, and environmental responsibility. These are some of the key contributors to the GCC's growth in wedding tourism as they welcome couples seeking unique luxurious celebrations, which larger competitors often ignore.
By Organization of Stay:
By Country:
The GCC Countries Destination Wedding Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2025 to 2035.
The market will be approximately USD 8.7 billion in 2035.
The growing demand for luxury and customizable wedding experiences, coupled with social media influence, is driving the market. Rising affluence in the GCC and the increasing appeal of cultural and exotic destination weddings further boost the sector.
Key players include, Ali Bakhtiar Designs, Vivaah Weddings, Carousel Events, Karen Tran Events, Design lab Experience, Saudi Weddings, and Arabia Weddings, with a focus on premium, luxury wedding services tailored to the needs of international and local clients.
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GCC Countries Destination Wedding Market
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