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29 March 2024

Wedding bells ring in Dubai for Royal Affair

Kate Middleton and Prince William (GETTY/GALLO)

Published
By Bindu Suresh Rai

Posh frocks and tailored tuxes might just be what that neighbourhood fashionista has ordered as Dubai hangs up the party streamers for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29.

Hotels around the emirate are pulling out all stops to get into the sprit as royal feasts are being cooked to mark the happy occasion, while special drinks and dishes are being created just in honour of the happy couple.

So who cares if you can’t get yourself on the guest list and join the wedding celebration of the year at Westminster Abbey?

Emirates 24|7 shows you how it’s really done - Dubaistyle.

Family street party

Get set for a typical English street party, where fun is the mantra of the event and where life-sized cutouts of the royal couple will be paraded.

The Royal Wedding, which kicks off at 2pm UAE time, will be aired live at the Royal Raffles Roast, a special themed version of their popular Friday Raffles Roast, a quintessentially British brunch with all the traditional trimmings.

The festivities will begin at 11am with bunting, themed table coverings and special meals prepared for the royalty, even though they will be busy, what with their wedding and all.

The hotel’s Executive Chef Andrew Whiffen has brought in live carving stations fit for a king.

To top of the elaborate menu, Chef Roland will be designing an elaborate five-tier wedding cake fit for a princess that will be showcased with a cake cutting ceremony.

With this lavish spread of authentic British cuisine, street party festivities, and the Royal wedding televised live, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Knees-up for the young at heart

The wedding of Prince William and his long-time love Kate Middleton presents the perfect opportunity to do just that.

So on Friday, if you too want to be a part of the festivities, Sherlock Holmes English Pub at Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa is the place to be at, which will be going back to its roots and throwing a Britishbash that they claim will rival that at Buckingham Palace.

While we may find that tall claim a tad hard to swallow, we are quite sure the patriotic party will be a top draw for British punters.

Also up for grabs are tonnes of prizes, including a Regal Relaxation session at their Zaitoon Wellness Spa.

The piece de resistance is, the hotel is giving you the chance to win a replica of Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, once worn by the late Princess Diana, courtesy of Diwan Jewels.

So all you romantic hopefuls who are waiting to save for just the right ring to pop the big question to your partners, your chance is now.

The festivities will kick off from 12pm the day before the wedding and will continue on till April 30.

Easy as chips

A royal affair that comes with high tea, pastries, scones and finger sandwiches, along with a glass of grape juice? It simply doesn’t get better than this.

The Courtyard by Marriott Dubai Green Community is toasting the royal wedding of Will and Kate with a cup of their finest brews at the Afternoon Tea at The Ballroom, as you watch the live broadcast munching onsome posh nosh and maybe gossiping about the fashion that will certainly wow viewers as much as the wedding itself.

A cup of cheer

The Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club clearly doesn’t believe in simply horsing about, which is why it is hosting a Royal Wedding Polo Cup to mark the special union of Will and Kate.

Picnic on the polo field from noon before heading indoors to enjoy a lavish buffet while watching the Royal Wedding live on the big screen, followed by an evening of dancing to top British music from the past 50 years. A host of children’s entertainment has also been planned by DoubleDecker.

Feast fit for royalty

Al Qasr and Mina A’ Salam at Madinat Jumeirah are doing it in style and their Grand Royal Brunch, which includes nostalgic British specialities, will impress even the most patriotic punters.

Be sure to arrive in your finest dress and have a chance to win a two-night stay at Madinat Jumeirah for the best dressed, most elegant hat and most stylish couple.

 Meanwhile if posh nosh isn’t your thing, then celebrate in “The House of Commons” and visit Barzar from noon onwards and enjoy a host of British specialities.

All while watching the minute to minute coverage ofthe wedding on large screens or singing along with the live DJ who will spin a host of British favourites from the Beatles, The Police, and Queen to Shirley Bassey, Elton John and Freddy Mercury.

Bahri Bar and Koubba Bar will offer their tribute to“The House of Lords” for those who wish to celebrate in a more refined fashion among the well healed with trays of complimentary canapés offer a fantastic counterpoint to the special celebration packages inclusive of bubbly and fresh berries. 
 

With a touch of Monty

Catch the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton live at the Fountain restaurant at Mövenpick  Hotel Bur Dubai from noon to 4pm while enjoying the brunch ‘à la carte’.

And in case you’ve missed the big kahuna, the hotel is hosting what they like to call ‘The Day After: The Full Monty with wedding highlights and a truly British Brunch.

The rest of you, well, if none of these appeal, then simply stay at home and catch the royal affair on BBC World and BBC Entertainment.