Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's
1979 Wedding

In 1979, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (now Ruler of Dubai) married his first cousin Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum. Their wedding was Dubai's first major public event. Elaborate arrangements were made to celebrate the event. No Dubai event has matched Sheikh Mohammed First Wedding in scale or content since then.

A five day holiday was declared and a huge sand area in front of the old Zabeel Palace cleared and fenced off. Lighting Poles were erected around the fenced area and decorated.

On the Wedding Day people, both Nationals and Expatriates gathered around this area to watch the many displays within the fenced area. Local Dancers and Musicians provided non stop entertainment while horseback riders showed their riding skills and prowess with their lances. The Royal Guard paraded on horseback. Camels and their Riders paraded in large numbers.

Dubai's First Air Display

Highlight was the Air Display by Dubai's Defence Force Air Wing (formed in 1971). Defence Force Air Wing had recently taken delivery of their first Macchi Jet Fighter Trainers. These five Macchi Jet Fighters flew in formation over Zabeel Palace followed by aerobatics. As a Grand Finale, one of the Macchi Jet Fighters flew around the Dubai Trade Centre Building. Dubai Trade Centre was still under construction and had yet to reach full height.

Celebrations carried on into the night with Dancers, Musicians and Performers entertaining large crowds of Nationals and Expatriates throughout Deira and Dubai on any open space they could find.

 

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  1. Ladies of the Bride's Household going to the celebrations.
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  2. Ladies of the Bride's Household going to the celebrations.
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  3. Ladies of the Bride's Household going to the celebrations.
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  4. Ladies of the Bride's Household going to the celebrations.
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  5. Bride's Household Staff gathering outside the Bride's House.
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  6. Local Dancers
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  7. Local Dancers
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  8. Local Dancers
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  9. Royal Guard on Horseback
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  10. Horseman charging and using their Lances
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  11. Camels and Horses riding in formation.
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  12. Camels riding in formation.
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  13. Camels riding in formation.
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  14. Macchi Jet Fighters start their Air Show.
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  15. Solo Macchi Jet Fighter performs aerobatics.
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  16. Macchi Jet Fighter flies around unfinished Dubai Trade Centre.
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  17. Entertainment and celebrations continue into the night.
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  18. Entertainment and celebrations continue into the night.

 

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