Dubai: The Marriage Fund (MF), a government body, extends financial aid to young Emirati men, helping them with wedding expenses.
Emirati weddings are private but often opulent affairs, with as many as 1,000 guests, expensive catering, outfits and entertainment.
In view of the high cost of getting married during Eid, Habiba Eisa Al Hosani, deputy general manager and official spokeswoman of the Marriage Fund, told Gulf News marriages usually do not take place during Ramadan, a month marked by prayer, fasting, and charity.
“Marriages entail celebrations and merrymaking. The Holy Month is set aside for implementing Islamic teachings, hence marriages take place after Ramadan,” she said.
The MF has been providing financial and awareness support for Emiratis in their premarital phase since 1992.
Its marriage grant is a form of financial aid totalling Dh70,000 offered to eligible husbands-to-be, provided the bride-to-be is an Emirati and the applicant is of a low income not exceeding Dh19,000 after the retirement quota is deducted.
Habiba added the grant is given provided it is the first marriage and the man is at least 21 and his would-be wife is 18.
