A Celebration Rooted in Leadership and Community
Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, attended a group wedding reception for citizens of Abu Dhabi City at the historic Qasr Al Hosn. The ceremony brought together 101 grooms and their families in an atmosphere that blended joy, tradition, and a shared sense of national identity.
The presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the celebration was more than a formal appearance. It was a reflection of leadership that remains closely connected to the people, sharing in their milestones and reinforcing the importance of family as the foundation of society. The event stood as a vivid reminder that community values remain at the heart of national progress in the United Arab Emirates.
Honouring Newlyweds and Strengthening Social Bonds
During the reception, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed extended warm congratulations to the newlyweds and their families, wishing them happiness, harmony, and stability as they begin their married lives. His words carried a deeply human message, emphasising that marriage is not only a personal milestone but also a vital building block in creating a strong, cohesive society.
He highlighted that the organisation of group weddings reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen social cohesion, support the stability of Emirati families, and ease the path to marriage for young citizens. By reducing financial and social pressures, such initiatives encourage young people to form families with confidence, optimism, and a strong sense of belonging.
Presidential Patronage and the Vision of the Year of Family
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed underscored that the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the mass wedding demonstrates the profound importance he places on the Emirati family as the cornerstone of society. This commitment goes beyond ceremonial support, reflecting a long-term vision focused on nurturing family stability, social solidarity, and shared values.
This vision is further reinforced through the designation of 2026 as the “Year of Family,” an initiative that celebrates authentic Emirati values and recognises the central role of the family in national development. By supporting events such as this group wedding, the leadership sends a clear message that strong families are essential to building a resilient and prosperous nation.
A Distinguished Gathering at a Historic Venue
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of leaders and officials, including Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court; Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority. Several sheikhs, senior officials, dignitaries, and social figures were also present, alongside the grooms and their families.
Hosting the event at Qasr Al Hosn added a powerful layer of symbolism. As one of Abu Dhabi’s most important historical landmarks, the venue represents heritage, continuity, and identity. Holding a celebration of marriage and unity within its walls beautifully connected past traditions with present aspirations and future hopes.
Heritage, Culture, and Collective Joy
Organised by Majalis Abu Dhabi under the Citizens and Community Affairs Office of the Presidential Court, in coordination with the Medeem initiative of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, the mass wedding featured a rich programme of cultural and heritage activities. Traditional chants, poetry recitals, and an aerial display brought the celebration to life, creating an atmosphere filled with pride and collective joy.
These elements were not merely performances but expressions of shared memory and cultural continuity. They reminded attendees that marriage in Emirati society is deeply connected to heritage, family bonds, and communal celebration, reinforcing values passed down through generations.
Supporting Youth and Building Confident Futures
Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, expressed sincere appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continued support of Emirati youth and families. He emphasised that such initiatives reflect a commitment to empowering young people, helping them begin their married lives with dignity, stability, and optimism.
Group weddings, he noted, are not just celebratory occasions. They are strategic social initiatives that contribute to quality of life, emotional wellbeing, and long-term social stability. By investing in young families today, the nation invests in a stronger and more unified society tomorrow.

Gratitude from the Grooms and Their Families
For the grooms and their families, the event carried deep emotional significance. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage, describing his support as a source of inspiration and reassurance at the beginning of their family journeys.
They also conveyed their appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for honouring the ceremony with his presence. Many noted that his attendance symbolised the close relationship between leadership and citizens, reflecting genuine care for the wellbeing and stability of Emirati families.
Leadership That Celebrates with Its People
What set this occasion apart was its human dimension. Beyond official speeches and formal proceedings, the group wedding represented a moment where leadership and citizens came together in shared celebration. It illustrated a governance approach rooted in empathy, participation, and mutual respect.
By standing alongside newly married couples, national leaders reaffirmed that progress is not measured only in infrastructure or economic indicators, but also in the happiness, stability, and unity of families. This philosophy continues to shape the UAE’s social landscape, ensuring that development remains people-centred.
A Lasting Message of Unity and Hope
The group wedding reception at Qasr Al Hosn left a lasting impression, not only on the couples who took their first steps into married life, but also on the wider community. It served as a reminder that family remains at the heart of Emirati identity, supported by leadership that values tradition while embracing the future.
As the nation looks ahead to the Year of Family 2026, events like this stand as living examples of how values, culture, and compassionate leadership can come together to strengthen society. In celebrating love, commitment, and unity, Abu Dhabi once again affirmed that the strength of the nation begins at home.
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