The UAE can offer some of the world’s most stunning destinations for a wedding proposal. In 2022, however, it’s the ladies in the region who are dropping to one knee.
More women than ever before are popping the question in the Emirates, according to wedding and proposal planners, and it's thought the number will continue to rise.
The trailblazers
Sakeena Karam, 26, always dreamt of being proposed to in a grand way, but had a change of heart after meeting her partner of three years Adam Dmello, 27, an accountant. The couple, who live in Dubai, were introduced by a mutual friend at university and quickly became inseparable.
“Adam has done so much for me, so I thought it would be nice to do something special for him,” says Karam, a senior research analyst.
I know many women who say: ‘I want him to propose to me’, and all of them are still waiting after years
Nora Achmaoui,
Dubai influencer and business coach
“I was the girl who used to dream about the big proposal that would show me how much my man loves me and finds me special. I'm sure men also think along the same lines at some point. I wanted to make him feel appreciated.”
So Karam combined scenes from Dmello’s favourite TV shows — The Office, Friends and Community — dressing up in a peanut shirt and rapping self-penned lyrics in a roomful of candles.
“When he walked in, he had no idea what was going on,” Karam says. “I popped up from my hiding place and sang the song I wrote for him, laughing the entire time because I couldn't believe what was happening.
“We’re getting married later this year, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Dubai influencer and business coach Nora Achmaoui, 27, had been planning to propose to her partner of nine months, Khalid Alherani, 25, a fellow influencer and engineer, but he stole her thunder on a romantic holiday.
“I always had in my mind that I wanted to propose to Khalid,” Achmaoui says. “My plan was ruined when he proposed, but I decided I’d go ahead and do it anyway.
“Two months later, I got down on one knee and, surrounded by his family and friends, asked him to be my husband.”
Now Achmaoui is encouraging other women to treat their men with the “attention and magic” they deserve. “I know many women in my circle who say: ‘I want him to propose to me’, and all of them are still waiting, after years,” she says.
“If you know you’ve met the one, why not just go ahead and propose? There’s no need for all the drama.”
How do female proposals differ?
Liz Nunez, co-founder of Easy Wedding, believes women have a more considered way of proposing than men. “Women tend to organise more adventurous proposals in terms of the great outdoors, rather than going over the top with flowers and balloons,” she says.
“Usually, the woman will pick a fun activity, such as paragliding or hot air ballooning, and propose in the middle of the action. It’s a more mature and straightforward way of making the next step.”
In Nunez’s experience, most of the women going down on bended knee are over the age of 30 and particularly successful in their careers.
“These women have accomplished so much already that they aren’t afraid of moving forward,” she says. “To put it simply, they know what they want and they’re not afraid to make it happen.”
Confidence is key
“People come to the UAE for the opportunities it offers, especially for women,” Nunez says. “More and more companies are hiring women for top positions and management roles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We have the freedom and opportunity to progress professionally in the region, so it doesn’t surprise me this confidence is showing itself in our personal lives too.
“Women are free to marry who they want to marry, and they’re acting on it.”
Women have got more freedom in our choices than ever before, and the days of waiting to be asked are numbered
Caroline Ralston,
founder, Proposal Boutique
Easy Wedding was launched to plan the nuptials of couples living internationally and recently began to organise lavish proposals, with most enquiries coming from women. “It doesn’t surprise me at all that women are proposing more,” says Nunez’s husband and company co-founder Florian Ughetto. “Traditionally people got married because it was expected of them. Now they’re doing it because they want to.
“Currently, 32 per cent of requests are from women, 20 per cent are from men and the rest are unspecified.”
Caroline Ralston, founder of Proposal Boutique, also reports an increase in the number of women proposing to their boyfriends, especially after the Covid-19 lockdowns caused many new relationships accelerate.
Ralston, who started her proposal-planning business eight years ago, says about 20 per cent of her enquiries come from forward-thinking women who are looking to take this next step in their lives.
“The UAE is a place where women are empowered and championed every day,” Ralston says. “We've got more freedom in our choices than ever before, and the days of waiting to be asked are numbered.
“I feel like so many people moved in together during lockdown, and now women are ready to take the [relationship forward].”
The best of both worlds
Ralston believes the influence of social media is a driving factor in the surge of female-led proposals. “These days you can’t go on Instagram without seeing lavish proposals that have gone viral,” she says. “Now that women are seeing what’s possible, they want to incorporate these elements in their own proposals.
“It isn’t just about the wedding any more ― if anything, the engagement sets the tone for what’s to come. Who doesn’t want an equal marriage?”
It might seem scary, but it’s daunting for men to propose too ... why not give him the best day of his life?
Liz Nunez,
co-founder, Easy Wedding
Most of the women who contact Proposal Boutique arrange the full scenario, but sometimes the groom-to-be can have a major part to play, too.
“We often have women getting in touch with us to organise their own proposals, but although she will decide on all the details, the guy will be the one to actually pop the question,” Ralston says.
“One of our clients, Nancy, arranged for her partner, Elias, to go down on one knee on a lavishly decorated rooftop overlooking the Burj Khalifa. It was a nice way for her to get exactly what she wanted, while still having that nod to tradition.”
The future is female
Nunez and Ralston both predict that the number of female proposals will increase in the coming years and encourage women to take the leap.
“I think there’s going to be a spate of women proposing and I can’t wait to see it happen,” Ralston says.
“It might seem scary, but it’s daunting for men to propose too,” Nunez says. “I say go with your heart and do it. There are two people in a relationship; why not give him the best day of his life?
“I encourage women to take control of their own narrative. In today’s society, we’re equally independent and financially secure, so why not have confidence in all our life choices?”
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas
Three stars
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
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Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Canada
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How to come clean about financial infidelity
- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
- Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
- Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
- Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported.
Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona
IF YOU GO
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info
Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
Meatless Days
Sara Suleri, with an introduction by Kamila Shamsie
Penguin
Europe wide
Some of French groups are threatening Friday to continue their journey to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, and to meet up with drivers from other countries on Monday.
Belgian authorities joined French police in banning the threatened blockade. A similar lorry cavalcade was planned for Friday in Vienna but cancelled after authorities prohibited it.
Other promotions
- Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
- Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
- Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications)
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
The biog
Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi
Age: 23
How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them
Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need
Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman
Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs
Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
