Wedding

Today there was a wedding in the exhibition centre. Guests kept arriving for over three hours.

Being an Islamic culture, men and women have totally separate weddings. They are not segregated, but totally separate. In some cases the 2 weddings will take place on the same night in different locations, and in some instances they will take place on different nights. This was the man's wedding.

Food will be abundant, and guests will be expected to eat. It is considered an insult if food or drink is not accepted. Tea, coffee, and other drinks will also be free flowing, of course though, no Alcohol will be served.

Music, was supplied by the traditional band. The noise made it hard to do any work. For the first 20 minutes or so, it was okay. After four hours was a bit much.

Update from Wednesday's Khaleej Times:

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended a lunch banquet hosted by Dr Shaikh Saeed bin Mohammed Al Nahyan in celebration of the wedding of his son Shaikh Mohammed bin Saeed to the daughter of Shaikh Nahyan bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.

Also present at the banquet a were His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Shaikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; and other dignitaries -