Dubai: A Dream Destination for Indian Weddings

More and More Indian Couples Choosing UAE for Weddings

In recent years, a new trend has been clearly observed in Indian wedding culture: more and more people are choosing to hold their weddings abroad rather than in their home country. The United Arab Emirates — particularly Dubai — has become one of the most popular destinations in this regard. According to the latest data from the insurance portal Policybazaar, between 2023 and 2025, there was a steep rise in the number of families seeking insurance solutions for travel related to weddings.

Why Dubai?

Dubai is an ideal choice for those who wish to hold their wedding in a luxurious yet logistically accessible location. The city has excellent international connections, with direct flights available from several major Indian cities. The five-star hotels, beachfront resorts, private islands, and unique event venues in the city can fulfill almost any vision — whether it's a palatial traditional celebration or a modern minimalist ceremony.

Moreover, Dubai provides not only the wedding venue: guest accommodations, wedding dinners, themed pre-events such as mehendi or sangeet, and the honeymoon can all be easily arranged within the city, creating a complete wedding experience hub.

Insurance Trends Reflecting Wedding Season Demands

Policybazaar's travel insurance data clearly reflects the Indian wedding seasons: the greatest demand was shown in the period from November 1 to December 15, with a 30 percent increase registered between 2023 and 2024, followed by a further 8 percent rise from 2024 to 2025. The other two significant periods were January to March and July to August, coinciding with traditional Indian marriage seasons.

These periods hold not only insurance demands but also significant importance for hotels, event organizers, and hospitality units in Dubai. Increasingly, more hotels and resorts offer packages specifically tailored for Indian weddings, including services necessary for religious ceremonies, traditional foods, as well as local and Indian ceremony officiants.

Multi-generational Travel – Growing Need for Comprehensive Insurance

Foreign weddings mobilize not just the marrying couples but the entire family. According to insurance data, the age group 25–34 made up 40 percent of travel insurance purchasers, while the 45–60 segment represented 35 percent. Surprisingly, those over 60 also constituted a significant portion, 25 percent, of the purchasers. This suggests that such events often involve grandparents and older relatives, leading to specific insurance risks — such as coverage for chronic illnesses.

Extended health insurance has become indispensable during such trips, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions. This is particularly important for a wedding held in Dubai, as family members often travel for 4-5 days, and the hot, beach environment or unfamiliar cuisine may pose risks for the elderly.

Competing Destinations – Alternatives to Dubai

The study also mentions that other countries, such as Vietnam and Sri Lanka, offer more cost-effective alternatives. However, these destinations have less developed infrastructures necessary for conducting large and complex Indian weddings. Local regulations, handling of religious diversity, and flexibility of ceremony spaces often do not match the standards of Dubai.

European locations, such as Italy, Spain, and Greece, have also become increasingly popular, though they are better suited for smaller, exclusive weddings with a higher per capita budget. Ceremonies in Oman and the Maldives are also mainly restricted to celebrations within the close family circle.

Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian couples, especially due to its proximity, visa facilitation, and long-established wedding planning services. However, for those seeking something more exclusive, Dubai remains unbeatable — both in prestige and infrastructure.

Summary: A Dubai Wedding Is More Than a Celebration – It’s Experience, Status, and Family Travel Combined

A wedding in Dubai is no longer just a dream but a tangible reality for more and more Indian families. The luxury, flexibility, and reliability offered by the city provide an ideal foundation to make the big day memorable. Trends indicate that Indian couples are choosing destinations more consciously, and Dubai meets all the criteria required by a multi-generational, complex wedding. As international weddings slowly become a constant element of Indian travel habits, Dubai continues to hold its prominent role in this unique and dynamically developing segment.