A Closer Look: What we know about Dubai's new wedding programme

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

Dubai's government has set out a new programme to support young Emirati couples tying the knot.

The aim is to reduce the financial burden of putting on costly ceremonies.

But who is eligible, what services are provided and how much of the cost is covered?

Here, host Sarah Forster hears from The National's Rana Afifi about this latest initiative and how it is part of a grander plan for the emirate.

Why more couples in the UAE are opting for micro weddings

UAE's most spectacular wedding proposals – in pictures

Ibrahim Zoroub proposed to Kamilla Bakytova using an LED display on Burj Khalifa. Photo: Ibrahim Zoroub

Peter Philippou proposed to his partner Sarah on a helipad. Photo: Peter Philippou

Caroline Ralston from Proposal Boutique organised a proposal using a flash mob. Photo: Proposal Boutique

Yash Patel and Kinna Abhani planned their engagement at Aura Skypool Dubai together. Photo: Proposal Boutique

Angie and Shaan Keswani ahead of their engagement at The Sevens Stadium. Photo: Proposal Boutique

Hiren Lilwa proposed to Amrita Bhojwani in an escape room on his birthday. Photo: Amrita Bhojwani

Asif and Minal got engaged at Al Ain Zoo. Photo: Proposal Boutique

MATCH INFO

Manchester City 4 (Gundogan 8' (P), Bernardo Silva 19', Jesus 72', 75')

Fulham 0

Red cards: Tim Ream (Fulham)

Man of the Match: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)

Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199

ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

Whiile you're here

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Editorial: What makes the UAE such a good place to test vaccines?

Editorial: The fight against Covid-19 should be guided by science

The Florida Project

Director: Sean Baker

Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe

Four stars

While you're here

Editorial: The Hancock Affair could alter the course of Covid-19 in the UK

Will Dominic Cummings deliver the bombshell to sink Boris Johnson?

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Chinese Grand Prix schedule (in UAE time)

Friday: First practice - 6am; Second practice - 10am

Saturday: Final practice - 7am; Qualifying - 10am

Sunday: Chinese Grand Prix - 10.10am

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.