“Our Weddings Are Too Beautiful And Special Not To Be Shared With The World”: Meet The Emirati Sisters Behind @KhaleejiWeddings
Bazaar Arabia speaks to Maryam Abdullah Ahmed and Meerah Abdullah Ahmed, the duo behind the account dedicated to showcasing the most extravagant nuptials from across the GCC
In the heart of the Arabian Gulf, where tradition meets opulence, lies a treasure trove of mesmerising weddings that have captivated hearts globally and it’s one particular Instagram account that is showcasing them to the rest of the world.
Behind the screens of the Instagram sensation, Khaleeji Weddings (@khaleejiweddings), with 417,000 followers and counting, are two sisters, Maryam Abdullah Ahmed and Meerah Abdullah Ahmed, whose passion for celebrating aesthetics from the Arabian Gulf has turned into a success story.
From magnificent chandeliers and intricate décor gracing the tables to the exquisite details on the brides’ silk and lace dresses and performances, the duo are determined to capture every feature of these celebrations that make them the grand events that they are. Their drive knows no bounds, sometimes these ceremonies take them as far as Paris.
As the founders of this perfectly curated account, they graciously shared their journey, insights, and the magic behind weddings from the region speaking to Bazaar Arabia.
A glimpse into the world of KhaleejiWeddings
The Page Started As A Dairy
The inception of the account was as ordinary as any girl’s mood board, but it quickly blossomed into a platform dedicated to showcasing the splendour of the nuptials taking place in the region. Maryam and Meerah, both from Abu Dhabi, embarked on this venture with a vision to celebrate their traditions and the unparalleled beauty of Khaleeji weddings.
Their goal was simple: to share the magnificence of these events with the world. “When we started the account, our main goal was to showcase the beautiful aesthetics of Khaleeji weddings, celebrate our traditions and rituals, and share them with the world,” Maryam said. Meerah added, “At that time, some people were hesitant to share, but we believed that our weddings are too beautiful and special not to be shared with the world.”
The account’s success paved the way for collaborations with wedding designers and couples, offering a glimpse into the elaborate and breathtaking realm of these celebrations. Brides usually reach out to the duo that offer services including shooting the entire event.
From luxurious venues to meticulously crafted bridal dresses, every detail is carefully curated and captured to only add to the opulence of the big day.
Now, Maryam and Meerah have covered countless events, including royal ceremonies from Qatar, KSA, Kuwait as well as the UAE.
Their Favourite Event They Have Attended
When asked about their favourite from the weddings they have covered, they found it challenging to choose, as each celebration holds a special place in their hearts. However, one particularly memorable event in the summer of 2023 at the Dubai Opera stood out. Maryam said, “The coverage was a success, and the atmosphere was undeniably beautiful. But picking favourites can be tough, especially when we genuinely adore all our brides. Many of them have become dear friends, and each wedding holds a special place in our hearts.”
The Weddings Showcase Arab Culture
Reflective of the tenets of values from the GCC region, weddings from the gulf are distinguished by a profound commitment to being gracious, where guests are not only welcomed but cherished.
Maryam said, “In our perspective, each culture holds its unique beauty and charm. Khaleeji weddings, in particular, distinguish themselves through a deep-seated commitment to hospitality and honouring guests, a value ingrained in our culture.”
Having attended so many of these celebrations, the sister-duo shared that there has been a change they have observed through time. “Brides are becoming more bold and creative in their choices, while also embracing classic elements. This reflects a desire for uniqueness and personal expression.”
Yet, amidst evolving trends, Maryam and Meerah ensure respect for cultural traditions, carefully curating content to uphold the integrity of Khaleeji heritage. “We avoid anything controversial or disrespectful, like public displays of affection, inappropriate scenes, or showing guests’ faces without permission,” they said.
Now, the sister duo continues to capture the charisma of Khaleeji celebrations, where every moment is a testament to love, culture, and the art of hospitality and their account only seems to be growing.
Lead images supplied and courtesy of Instagram/@khaleejiweddings