Eight orphans get married in colourful ceremony

The UAE has once again shown its humanitarian face by sponsoring the marriage of four couples from an orphanage in a colourful ceremony here.

Eight orphans were married off by the government amid fanfare and celebrations. They were living in Dar Al Zayed for Comprehensive Care orphanage in Al Khazna. A long procession of cars travelled from Al Khazna to Abu Dhabi for the ceremony.

The brides were escorted to the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club where the traditional wedding festivities were conducted, while the grooms were escorted to the Armed Officers Club where they received a warm welcome complete with drums and the 'national Ayala' group.

The orphanage was established in 1988 and houses more than 350 boys and girls, abandoned by their parents. It takes care of all their needs including education.

Ali Al Amri, director of the centre, told a press conference at the Armed Officer's Club: "The idea of holding a mass wedding struck me a few months ago when a young girl from the centre wanted to get married.

"I immediately called Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the centre, who was very enthusiastic about the idea. He even agreed to take full responsibility for the wedding and expenses."

This group wedding will be the first and the precursor to many more such weddings between the orphans at the centre. "We are in fact finalising the engagement of two more couples next week," he said.

He said nearly 80 boys and girls who have reached marriageable age are being encouraged to tie the knot. The grooms are all well-educated and hold stable jobs. One of them has just completed university.

"They came to us as orphans when still little children. The country is now trying to compensate for the loss of their parents by meeting all their needs.

"President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Wife of the President and Chairperson of the UAE General Women's Union, have taken responsibility for the orphans along with Sheikh Tahnoon."