First Jewish Orthodox wedding held in Dubai

The ceremony, held outside in the courtyard of a hotel, was attended by about 150 guests

The celebration was the first Orthodox Jewish wedding held in the UAE, three months after ties with Israel were normalised. Belaaz

Dubai hosted its first Orthodox Jewish wedding this week.

The happy couple, understood to be from New York, married at Park Hyatt Dubai.

They were wed in the hotel’s courtyard in front of about 150 guests.

During Orthodox Jewish weddings, men and women typically sit apart, as shown in the videos of the ceremony.

A spokeswoman for the hotel confirmed the marriage took place on Monday.

More Orthodox Jewish weddings in the emirate are expected to follow.

One is planned between a Belgian couple within days, according to members of the local Jewish community.

Weddings with up to 200 guests have been permitted in Dubai since October 22.

The ceremonies should not exceed four hours, and face masks are mandatory except when seated. No more than five people may sit together, and guests should avoid sitting face to face.

Guests should avoid shaking hands, kissing or hugging and instead employ “non-physical greetings”.

Social distancing of at least 1.5 metres must be observed.

Weddings in New York state have also resumed, subject to safety rules.