UAE holds one of Gaza’s largest mass weddings for 300 couples

Gaza: A mass wedding involving 300 couples took place in central Gaza on April 24, backed by the UAE, bringing a sense of celebration and relief to communities grappling with prolonged hardship.

The ceremony, one of the largest mass weddings in Gaza, attracted large crowds of families, community leaders and representatives of local and international organisations, with organisers estimating attendance at around 20,000 people.

The event was part of the UAE’s humanitarian operation “Gallant Knight 3” and was organised under the banner of “Joy Dress 2”, a programme designed to support young people facing mounting financial barriers to marriage.

Couples were selected from thousands of applicants who registered when enrolment opened in late February. 

Organisers said a rigorous screening process was applied, prioritising Gaza residents who had not previously married and who met income and eligibility criteria. 

Beyond the ceremony itself, the initiative included financial and in-kind support to help couples establish their households, covering essential wedding costs and basic requirements. 

The event unfolded with a mix of formal and cultural elements, including Quran recitations, official announcements of marriage, and traditional Palestinian performances such as dabke, creating a festive atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the surrounding conditions. UAE and Palestinian national anthems were also played. 

Ali Al Shahi, head of the UAE delegation in Gaza, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting the people of Gaza and helping them navigate difficult circumstances. The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, which supported the programme, said the effort was part of a strategy to strengthen social stability and provide targeted relief.

Participants spoke of the event as a turning point. Some couples had endured displacement or injury during the conflict, while others had postponed marriage due to financial constraints. 

The mass wedding is the second of its kind organised under the “Gallant Knight 3” operation, which has delivered humanitarian assistance across Gaza since the outbreak of conflict in October 2023.