A Closer Look: What we know about Dubai's new wedding programme

In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

Dubai's government has set out a new programme to support young Emirati couples tying the knot.

The aim is to reduce the financial burden of putting on costly ceremonies.

But who is eligible, what services are provided and how much of the cost is covered?

Here, host Sarah Forster hears from The National's Rana Afifi about this latest initiative and how it is part of a grander plan for the emirate.

Why more couples in the UAE are opting for micro weddings

UAE's most spectacular wedding proposals – in pictures

Ibrahim Zoroub proposed to Kamilla Bakytova using an LED display on Burj Khalifa. Photo: Ibrahim Zoroub

Peter Philippou proposed to his partner Sarah on a helipad. Photo: Peter Philippou

Caroline Ralston from Proposal Boutique organised a proposal using a flash mob. Photo: Proposal Boutique

Yash Patel and Kinna Abhani planned their engagement at Aura Skypool Dubai together. Photo: Proposal Boutique

Angie and Shaan Keswani ahead of their engagement at The Sevens Stadium. Photo: Proposal Boutique

Hiren Lilwa proposed to Amrita Bhojwani in an escape room on his birthday. Photo: Amrita Bhojwani

Asif and Minal got engaged at Al Ain Zoo. Photo: Proposal Boutique

The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

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Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier

UAE results
Beat China by 16 runs
Lost to Thailand by 10 wickets
Beat Nepal by five runs
Beat Hong Kong by eight wickets
Beat Malaysia by 34 runs

Standings (P, W, l, NR, points)

1. Thailand 5 4 0 1 9
2. UAE 5 4 1 0 8
3. Nepal 5 2 1 2 6
4. Hong Kong 5 2 2 1 5
5. Malaysia 5 1 4 0 2
6. China 5 0 5 0 0

Final
Thailand v UAE, Monday, 7am

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Date: Sunday, November 25

A Closer Look: What we know about Dubai's new wedding programme

We hear from journalist Rana Afifi

UAE's most spectacular wedding proposals – in pictures

Desert Warrior

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag