The Bride Show unveils to fiances and fashionistas

Her Excellency Dr. Maitha Salem Al-Shamsi, Minister of State officially inaugurated the event with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by a tour of the show halls where she met key exhibitors and was treated to an exclusive fashion show preview by Designer Ahmed Al Reyaysa for Dar Sara.

In the afternoon, Ines di Santo, who was born in Italy, raised in Argentina and now lives in Toronto, Canada's fashion capital, opened the public fashion show spectacular with a collection of jaw dropping, hyper-feminine bridal gowns. In the country and at The Bride Show Dubai for the first time, UAE nationals and expatriates alike flocked to her exhibition stand after the show to make enquiries about her designs.

Visitors were truly spoilt when it came to fashion on day one, with Bride Show crowd favourites, Arabesque, Arushi and Demetrios modelling their latest collections of abayas, evening wear and bridal dresses. A new design house, First Mode, which participated in the fashion preview at Dubai Mall last weekend to a large crowd of shoppers, wowed the audience, especially with their patriotic UAE flag inspired evening dress.

Women's Healthcare, taking place alongside The Bride Show Dubai, enjoyed a busy opening day as health-conscious women flocked through the doors in their gym kit to participate in Pilates, salsa dancing, exercises in Kangoo Jump boots and a group session of drumming, known to raise endorphin levels.

An important exhibition, visitors to Women's Healthcare can learn about self breast examination, have their blood tested and donate blood to the Sharjah Blood Bank, as well as learn more about physical activity available in their neighbourhood. A selection of Nintendo Wii games consoles are also spread throughout the exhibition hall and anyone who visits in their gym kit will gain free entry.

Celebrity make-up artist Joelle Mardinian, host of MBC shows 'Be Saraha Kteer Ahla' and 'Joelle', was on hand at her stand throughout the opening day doing demonstrations of hair and make up.

The Bride Show Dubai is open from 2:30pm to 10:30pm until Saturday 11 April 2009 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. An entry fee of 10dhs is applicable. Children under 14 are not permitted but a Peekaboo Children's Crèche is available.