Sweet celebration: Dubai royal family mark weddings with regional treat

Ornate gift boxes decorated with calligraphy and containing Omani halwa were sent to the friends of Al Maktoum family

The gift box sent out following the marriage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and two of his brothers. Courtesy Mama Noora Instagram
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The marriage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and two of his brothers last week was surely an occasion for sweet celebration for the emirate’s ruling family.

The Al Maktoums celebrated the nuptials last Wednesday night with an Islamic ceremony but continued to spread festive joy on their nearest and dearest with a saccharine regional delight.

Ornate gift boxes decorated with golden Arabic calligraphy and containing Omani halwa were sent to the friends of the family.

The gift box was revealed by the royal grooms’ governess, known on social media as Mama Noora.

Mama Noora pictured with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, (R) and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (L). Courtesy Mama Noora Instagram
Mama Noora pictured with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, (R) and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (L). Courtesy Mama Noora Instagram

Mama Noora often posts pictures of herself and the three Al Maktoum grooms on her Instagram page.

The gift box reads "The happiness of the Al Maktoums", though the Arabic word "farah" is also synonymous with "wedding".

When opened, the underside of the gift box bears another inscription reading:  “On the occasion of the matrimony of the sons of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Maktoum and Sheikh Ahmed.”

Within the box is a silver pot, containing amber Omani halwa. The regional treat is often served during celebrations, decorated with almonds and crushed pistachios.

Last week, Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, were each married in an Islamic ceremony.

The date of the public ceremony has yet to be announced.