An Emirati Wedding

A few weeks ago I learned that one of the staff members at the school was getting married. The more I heard the more intrigued I was by the whole thing. She was to be his second wife and the first didn't approve so she left, leaving her as the second, but only wife. I also heard that he was among the richest men in the city he lived in. I am being vague as a show of respect, hopefully I don't overstep those bounds. As people started talking of going to the wedding it was said that everyone would be invited, but I didn't actually hear that we all were until just days before. I made my plans to go with Leigh, Jane and Harry. Knowing that Leigh wouldn't steer me wrong in any way. Jane took me to a shop that sells abayas and I found one I really liked. So Thursday after work I showered and dressed and decided to go down to see, not only when we were leaving, but also if my dress passed muster. This is what I opened my door to...

Yes, that is my hotel... a picture taken right after stepping out of my room. It was straight out of a horror flick! Especially since we still had power in our rooms. Luckily there was power in the surrounding halls or it would have been much scarier!

Mr. Harry and his 3 wives, Ms. Jane, Ms. Leigh and Ms. Cara 

I don't know how to describe the wedding, I can say that it was an experience. We were greeted by a line of women, non of which I knew who they were. We then found our group from school and sat while they brought around huge two person trays full of all kinds of sweets and coffees and teas! It was more food than I could ever imagine and it was all before dinner! There were a few women who were dancing, but not many in comparison to the number of women who were in attendance.

Once dinner was served our table very carefully uncovered plates and put things onto our plates, while the locals literally dug into their platters! We were served camel and lamb, I actually tried some of the camel after two of my tablemates raved over the taste. It tastes a lot like pot roast, though Gramma's is MUCH better! 

This is the only picture I felt was ok to take of the hall as a whole. The case shown is one of two cases displaying the jewelry that was gifted to the bride from the groom. At the very end of the hall the wall was covered in white fabric and then beads were scalloped in front and up lit to change color. It was the only source of color besides the red carpet. Everything else was in white, light grey and silver. Over all things were beautiful especially the bride! It was a great chance to see some of my coworkers with their hair down, literally as they are all covered by shaylas at work.

This is the final picture of the night. I realized that I had gotten dressed and never took a picture before I put my abaya on for the night! But I'm super glad I had my abaya to wear as this outfit would have been far too revealing since no one ended up taking off their abayas as I was assured they would. 

Well I have SO much more to say about others matters so I will wrap this one up!