Sheikh Hamdan wedding: all you need to know about Dubai World Trade Centre venue

The royal marriage date has been set for June 6

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It's been confirmed: the official ceremony to celebrate the marriage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and brothers Sheikh Ahmed and Sheikh Maktoum will take place on June 6.

And the venue has also been revealed - the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Here's all you need to know about the site ahead of the big day:

Ok, so thousands of guests are expected, it must be huge...

Inaugurated in 1979 as the 39-storey Sheikh Rashid Tower, Dubai World Trade Centre is now regarded as the region's largest purpose-built complex for events and exhibitions. It has numerous halls and a floor space of almost 93,000 sq m.

The Ibis Hotel and Novotel are on site, along with 543 serviced apartments.

In 2018, Dubai World Trade Centre attracted 54,717 exhibiting companies from 162 countries. It held 23 "mega events" which attracted more than 30,000 visitors per event.

Does it regularly host weddings?

Yes indeed. "Weddings by Dubai World Trade Centre" has "unrivalled expertise" when it comes to royal and VIP weddings, according to its website.

"Depending on your requirements, we handle VIP meet-and-greets, security details, as well as arranging private majlises furnished with refreshments and appropriate decor for the occasion," it says.

"The size of our facility brings added benefits to the cultural sensitivities of our guests. We have multiple access points to our venue, so can provide privacy through dedicated entrances as required for the bride, groom and wedding party as well as your own private valet and security arrangements."

Which hall is it likely to be held in?

Well, the event is expected to be attended by thousands of guests, and to cater to a wedding of that size, Dubai World Trade Centre suggests Zabeel Halls which offers standing capacity of up to 12,000 people, and banquets for up to 5,700.

Alternatively, the Sheikh Saeed Halls can hold a banquet for up to 6,820.

How much would this place cost for a non-royal wedding?

The minimum spend for a weekend wedding (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) in one of the special halls is Dh210,000 on food and beverage or 700 guests at Dh300 each.

Included in the package is the meal and special table set up, tile carpeting, valet attendants, female security personnel and traffic controller, golf cart large LED screen, hotel suite, bridal room, instant photography, abaya service and wedding cake selection.

There are additional build-up or tear-down charges of Dh60,000 per day.

When was the last big royal wedding in Dubai?

The daughter of the Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikha Maryam, was married to Sheikh Suhail bin Ahmed bin Juma Al Maktoum in January last year.

A year after the event, footage of the lavish ceremony was revealed by Sheikha Maryam on her Instagram account. It showed an incredible stage production with dancing amid a richly artistic setting, although it is not clear where it was held.

Any other details...?

Just that the ceremony at Dubai World Trade Centre will start at 4pm, and the full names of the pairs involved are:

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, 36, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, 35, and Sheikha Maryam bint Butti Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, 32, and Sheikha Midya bint Dalmouj Al Maktoum.

They have already had a private wedding ceremony which took place on May 15.