When most people think of Dubai, their minds go straight to the skyline — glass towers, modern luxury, that sense of everything being bigger and bolder. In all honesty, that’s the only vision of Dubai I had. For someone whose brand values revolve around natural and understated elegance, Dubai always challenged my idea of the perfect wedding [and lifestyle… but that’s another story].

As I discovered, however, there’s another side to the city. One that’s rooted in the kind of ambition that believes that your success is everyone else’s success, in warmth, a sense of community, and experiences that linger not because they’re “loud,” but because everyone, locally, thrive and take pride in knowing they’re leaving a lasting impression on you. That’s the Dubai I got to discover during my recent visit, hosted by the Dubai Economy and Tourism Department and the Dubai Wedding Symposium 2025.

Over a few beautifully curated days, I was introduced to a side of Dubai that speaks more to the soul — stunning wedding venues with a strong sense of place, and a community of passionate local suppliers who understand what it means to create something meaningful and personal.

The Dubai Wedding Symposium 2025

The program was a perfect balance of inspiration, connection and sensory delight.

It began with a welcome dinner in the desert at Nara Camp, where we arrived to a golden sunset, traditional Arabic calligraphy artists, henna tattoos, a perfume bar, fire shows and a DJ who brought just the right energy to the night. A celebration of culture and creativity that set the tone for the days ahead.

The following day, the symposium itself took place at the stylish Armani Hotel Dubai. We had the honour of hearing from the legendary Karen Tran, whose session on expanding your business into new destinations was both grounding and energising. There was also a heartfelt panel on wellbeing for wedding planners and suppliers, with the likes of Raj of Silverfox Events and Nadia Duran, a topic often overlooked but so essential in our fast-paced wedding world.

In the afternoon, I had the chance to sit down with some of Dubai’s most respected suppliers for one-to-one meetings — from florists to photographers to production experts.

That evening, we gathered at Drift Beach Club, cocktail in hand, overlooking the sea as the sun set. Elegant, effortless and warm — everything you’d want from a Dubai evening.

We continued with another day of venue visits, including the absolute showstopper: One & Only One Za’abeel, our hosting hotel. It’s hard to put into words just how beautiful this hotel is, especially the ballroom, which quite honestly took my breath away. I’m not one for ballroom weddings, but this one? It may have just changed my mind!

And finally, we closed with an elegant gala dinner at Atlantis The Royal, the kind of evening where everything sparkles!

A Hidden Oasis in the Desert

During my entire stay, DET gave us the opportunity to visit additional venues. This was the perfect opportunity to get a sense of what Dubai has to offer to my couples.

Among all the stunning venues I encountered, one stood out in a way that was quieter, but no less powerful — Bab Al Shams.

Set on the edge of the desert, Bab Al Shams feels like it belongs to another world. It’s quiet, expansive, and effortlessly calming. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense that you’re stepping into a retreat — somewhere where time slows down and you can truly breathe.

This isn’t your typical luxury resort. It has that boutique hotel feel I always gravitate towards as that’s the kind of experience my couples truly desire. Think natural tones, soft light, and local architecture that blends seamlessly with the desert surroundings. At Elisabetta White | Intimately Inspired Events we are all about weddings surrounded by natural beauty, so Bab Al Shams is literally IT.

There’s an earthy elegance to the entire place that makes it perfect for couples looking for a wedding that feels intimate, grounded, and deeply atmospheric.

And then there’s the setting. You can say your vows right there in the open desert, with the sand dunes stretching out around you. It’s magic. Quiet, wild, breathtaking magic. And having experienced their cuisine, I know hands on heart that this venue would never disappoint my couples, who are naturally foodies.

As always, I’m drawn to locations that feel like a reflection of the couple. Bab Al Shams offers that kind of space. It’s not flashy or overwhelming. It’s quietly luxurious, incredibly atmospheric, and full of soul.

Bab Al Shams wasn’t the only striking venue I felt could work well for my couples. The Bali-inspired Al Bahar villas of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel are superb for a couple looking for a truly intimate setting. And their Nuska Beach Restaurant makes for a fabulous setting for a welcome dinner or a post-wedding brunch. The food was divine too!

And of course, the Four Seasons… I mean, FS properties have that certain je ne sais quoi that sets them apart from anything else. The elegance, the hospitality… Always top notch.

Why Dubai Deserves a Second Look

Dubai wouldn’t be the first place my couples think of when planning a destination wedding, but that’s part of what makes it so exciting. For those drawn to something different — an experience that’s both serene and striking — the UAE offers so much more than meets the eye.

The hospitality is exceptional, the logistics are smooth, and the creative community is full of talent and heart. Planning a wedding here is not only possible, it’s exciting. And for couples who want to give their guests an unforgettable experience, Dubai is truly filled with possibility.

What Stayed With Me

The Dubai Wedding Symposium was more than a venue tour. It was a chance to really get to know the place, to feel its rhythm and its layers. And what I found was a destination that balances tradition and modernity, energy and calm — a place where something truly special can be created.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like an escape into nature — one that’s deeply connected to place, beauty and intention — this might just be the destination for you.

Our next step will be to explore Abu Dhabi and venture into Oman. Deeply authentic experiences are at the core of what we do and I truly believe these two destinations could be fabulous for my couples!

Get in touch more information about our destination wedding planning services.

A huge thank you to Patti & Tabitha of the Dubai Economy & Tourism department, as well as the organisers of the Dubai Wedding Symposium for the hospitality including Vivaah Weddings for the planning, One & Only One Za’abeel and its GM for looking after us, and the fantastic UK delegates that made the trip so fun and enjoyable, Amie Bone Flowers, Amulet Events, Bertie of Matthew Oliver, A Flair to Remember, Vogue Luxury Event, Francesca Richards, Naureen Khan Events, Silverfox Events, and Scarlet Events. A heartfelt thank you to the venues that took the time to meet us, show us around and in some cases share a lunch or dinner with us too. In no specific order:

Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Burj Al Arab – Delano Dubai – Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach – Palace Downtown – Armani Hotel Dubai.

xo Elisabetta

Top photo by Alex Azabache / All other images are a mix of official DWS by Melrish and my own.