In a bid to establish Abu Dhabi as a premier wedding destination, the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), announced an initiative to absorb the cost of visas for Indian nationals hosting destination weddings across the emirate.
Unveiled during the ongoing Arabian Travel Market 2024 and taking place from May 2024 onwards, the new visa initiative contributes to Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to boost visitor numbers to 39.3 million by 2030. The destination wedding segment is among the newest verticals to join ADCEB as part of an overarching objective to attract domestic and international visitors and increase the sector’s contribution to the GDP to AED 90 billion as per the 2030 strategy.
India is recognised as one of the largest markets for destination weddings globally, making it a key target market for Abu Dhabi.
By extending visa support to Indian weddings, in the form of absorbing costs, ADCEB’s Destination Wedding segment aims to position Abu Dhabi as a world-leading destination for weddings and celebrations of all kinds. It provides an avenue to amplify the emirate’s unique cultural and entertainment offerings, cultural attractions and natural landscapes for international audiences. Weddings are also a key revenue stream for the hospitality sector, driving venue and hotel room occupancy, and the service industry sectors such as wedding planning, photography, catering, personal services and more.