Abu Dhabi Crowned India’s Best Global Destination: Why The Emirate Now Tops Indian Couples’ Wish‑Lists For Luxury Weddings!

Published on November 30, 2025

The recent The Great Indian Wedding Makers event in Mumbai, where Abu Dhabi was named India’s Best Global Destination, gave the recognition or more than a trophy to the emirate’s growing reputation as a luxury wedding and travel hub for Indian families. The honor demonstrates that Abu Dhabi has transitioned from a strictly Arabian capital to a mixture of royal heritage, contemporary amenities, and courteous service, which is in perfect sync with the desires of Indian couples and their families seeking sophistication, privacy, and a sprinkle of opulence.

What the award means and why now

The Great Indian Wedding Makers event celebrates excellence in wedding planning and destination selection, recognising locales that resonate with Indian tastes for style, grandeur, and unforgettable experiences. By choosing Abu Dhabi as India’s Best Global Destination, the organisers spotlighted the emirate’s growing appeal among Indian travellers, not just as a holiday spot, but as a setting for milestone celebrations.

This honour underscores factors that make Abu Dhabi particularly attractive: top‑class infrastructure, world‑class hospitality, culturally rich venues, and an ability to deliver customised, sophisticated experiences that match Indian sensibilities. In short: Abu Dhabi is no longer just a travel destination; it is now a canvas for luxurious weddings and celebrations.

The bigger picture: how Abu Dhabi is shaping its tourism & wedding appeal

The recognition aligns closely with the strategy of the Department of Culture and Tourism-Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), which aims to expand the emirate’s footprint in global tourism with special attention to key source markets, including India. Under the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, the goal is to raise annual visitor numbers from around 24 million in 2023 to about 39.3 million by 2030.

As part of this expansion, the strategy emphasises enhancing infrastructure, increasing hotel room availability, diversifying accommodation types (including luxury resorts, holiday homes, glamping, and more), and streamlining visa and travel regulations, all critical ingredients for destination weddings and large celebrations.

In 2024 alone, Abu Dhabi saw remarkable growth: some 4.8 million hotel guests and a 26% rise in international visitors compared with the previous period. Cultural venues and events were also embraced by travellers, with a 21 percent uptick in attendance over 2023.

Why Abu Dhabi appeals to Indian weddings, and travellers in particular

From the vantage point of Indian couples and families, Abu Dhabi offers a rare combination:

• Unmatched luxury and flexibility: Through venues such as beachfront resorts on Saadiyat Island, lavish hotels, and curated settings for both intimate and grand celebrations, Abu Dhabi caters to a wide range of wedding visions. The Abu Dhabi Wedding Show, held at a five‑star venue, highlights how the emirate is building a dedicated ecosystem for weddings and celebrations.
• Cultural richness alongside modern comforts: The emirate offers access to iconic heritage sites such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, historic forts, elegant museums, and cultural districts, adding a sense of grandeur and sophistication that Indian travellers value.
• Ease and convenience: Improved infrastructure, increased hotel capacity, expanded accommodation types, and efficient visa or travel processes make it straightforward for families, including multi‑generational groups, to travel together comfortably.
• Tailored to Indian preferences: According to tourism authorities, many visitors from India prefer family‑centred experiences, including multi‑generational travel, which Abu Dhabi now actively caters to with bespoke packages designed for leisure, celebrations, and cultural immersion.

These elements combine to form a proposition that is especially attractive to Indian couples and families seeking a destination wedding that feels luxurious, yet deeply rooted in culture and comfort.

What officials at DCT Abu Dhabi say, a nod to partnerships and long‑term vision

Representatives from DCT Abu Dhabi said they are proud of the strong partnerships forged with the Indian market and the growing number of Indian travellers visiting the emirate each year. They see this award as validation of their commitment to offering customised, high‑end experiences that blend cultural authenticity with luxury and exclusivity, attributes they believe resonate with Indian families.

What this means for Indian couples and travellers

For Indian couples considering a destination wedding, or Indian families seeking a unique holiday filled with luxury, culture, and comfort, Abu Dhabi is now more than just a spot on the map. It has emerged as a serious contender for a wedding destination that offers:

• Elegant venues and world‑class hotels and resorts
• Cultural depth, from grand mosques to heritage sites and museums
• Ease of travel and accommodation, even for large or multi‑generational groups
• A reputation recognised by industry peers and travel planners

This recognition by the Great Indian Wedding Makers could well prompt a surge in enquiries from India, and for good reason.

Bottom Line

Abu Dhabi’s newest award is more than merely a tip of the marketing iceberg. It is a revelation of an intentional, purposeful journey that has been taken towards transforming the city’s image, a destination that has perfectly understood Indian travellers’ wants and needs: a mix of opulence, cultural resonance, and comfort. For those craving nothing less than a splendid wedding, or just wanting to indulge themselves in a holiday full of comfort, culture, and top-notch service, Abu Dhabi has emerged as the ultimate winning destination: not only as a place that one has to see, but also as a setting for life’s unforgettable experiences.