The ceremonies involved in holding an Emirati wedding

Dubai: Over the past two weeks we have looked at the traditional and modern ceremonies and practices involved in holding an Emirati wedding.

Wedding practices in the UAE differ among the various regions and tribes.

The practices described here refer to the traditional weddings of the sea people.

In this final installment we will be taking a look at how a traditional Emirati couple would celebrate their wedding evening.

On the night of the wedding, the groom and his family head to the bride's house.

The groom spends the night celebrating with wedding guests and waiting for the bride to come.

When the celebrations are over the bride comes to meet the groom, accompanied by two or three close friends.

The groom then offers the friends a certain amount of money as a sign of gratitude before they leave the couple alone. Traditionally, this is the first meeting between the bride and groom.

The following morning, the bride's mother comes to collect her daughter and help her to prepare breakfast for the groom. The couple stay at the bride's house for the first few days of the marriage.

After the first week the groom informs his family that his bride will be moving in with him.

To celebrate the occasion, they prepare a feast, inviting all their neighbours.

Once the bride comes home, she is welcomed with perfume and rose water. At night, the guests leave the groom's house after congratulating him.