Bride Show Abu Dhabi opens tomorrow

The show will be officially opened on Wednesday 21 January by patron Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif, wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Ahead of the opening, extra buzz has been spreading among women in Abu Dhabi about the last-minute addition of hair guru Ayman Zeidan, coming to the event with high-end diamond simulant jeweller, Desert Diamonds. The Syrian hairstylist has long been a favourite by UAE and Gulf brides-to-be, who frequently fly him in specifically to perfect their tresses before the big day.

Everything and anything bridal will be on display, from exotic honeymoon packages and florists to entertainment and photography. The diverse collection of exhibitors include bridal industry titans as well as fresh, emerging businesses, together presenting every device, service and product a bride could possibly need or want to coordinate her dream wedding.

New to the 2009 show is Al Maa'red Weddings, a business venture launched by ADNEC to serve the local bridal market in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. With a stylish venue featuring state-of-the-art production support, outstanding catering options, and connections with leading dressmakers, hair stylists, florists, and entertainers, brides-to-be in Abu Dhabi can design amazing nuptials at ADNEC with Al Maa'red's personal wedding consultants on hand to alleviate any stress.

The Bride Show Abu Dhabi also reaches out beyond the bridal party, with fashion shows eagerly awaited by haute couture enthusiasts. Creations from some of the industry's notable names, including elite fashion houses Ghawashi and Scallini, Abaya designers Mauzan and Abu Haleeqa, and the UAE's "King of Wedding Dresses" Ahmed Al Reyaysa will grace the catwalk over the four day exhibition.

Returning for another year is the popular crystallized Abaya Design Awards, the competition that discovers emerging fashion talent in the UAE and provides a platform to design their visions of the national dress. Sponsored by crystallized - Swarovski Elements and supported by the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club, the contest will reach its spectacular climax as all finalists' designs are professionally modelled on Saturday 24 January at 6 pm.

Visitors will have the chance to win fabulous prizes, including luxury Abayas, honeymoon packages, diamond rings, wedding dresses, hair removal and body treatments.

Other special features include the official Scent of the Bride Show, created exclusively by the team at Abu Haleeqa Stores, a traditional name in the Gulf fashion and textile industry.

The Bride Show Abu Dhabi is supporting 'Make-A-Wish' as their official charity, an international organisation dedicated to granting wishes of children with life-threatening conditions, also under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif.

The Bride Show Abu Dhabi takes place from 21-24 January 2009 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and is open from 2:30pm to 10:30pm daily. An entry fee of 10dhs applies and Thursday 22 January is dedicated to ladies only.

The Bride Show Dubai takes place from 8-11 April 2009 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.