Not simply Dubai, Muscat goes large with grand Indian weddings, too – Firstpost

Not simply widespread spots, comparable to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the most recent Center Japanese marriage ceremony vacation spot Indians are eyeing is Muscat, the capital metropolis of Oman.

The destination-wedding business within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area is projected to develop considerably, rising from an estimated USD 3.7 billion in 2025 to USD 8.7 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual progress charge (CAGR) of 8.9% through the 2025–2035 interval. Whereas all of UAE mixed contributes 50 p.c to the whole marriage ceremony tourism market, Oman alone contributes roughly 10 p.c to that quantity, as per a report by
marketinsights.com.

Official data launched by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, between 2022-2023, revealed that the nation hosted seven overseas high-profile weddings, primarily from India, with visitor lists ranging between 400 and 800 friends from varied elements of the world. The identical yr, the whole variety of Indian vacationers within the nation was over 6, 00, 000, based on
studies.

And, that determine on weddings? It has since elevated “twofold”, officers
declare. In truth, in 2024, Oman generated a complete of 6 million Omani Rial (OMR) from marriage ceremony tourism alone, as per one other
report.

Talking about this sudden and speedy surge in Indian weddings in Muscat, Parthip Thyagarajan, co-founder,
WeddingSutra.com, India’s main marriage ceremony media model, mentioned that whereas Dubai isn’t new to lots of Indians, Muscat is, and it’s this lack of publicity to its scenic magnificence that has turned out to be Muscat’s “largest USP”.

“The Oman tourism board is aware of the significance of marriage ceremony tourism and understands what it means to ask prosperous Indians for a milestone occasion or a vacation spot marriage ceremony. They’re doing an excellent job with that,” defined Thyagarajan.

Oman’s strategic transfer—to advertise Indian vacation spot weddings of their nation—is a part of Oman Imaginative and prescient 2040, aimed toward strengthening the tourism business and celebrating cultural range, which has set a aim of reaching the 11.7 million worldwide vacationers goal yearly by 2040.

The tourism ministry is counting on India’s rising outbound tourism market to fulfill its 2030 aim of
6 million vacationers. Vacation spot weddings, frequent amongst upper-middle-class and rich Indians, are on the highest of their agenda and the ministry is working carefully with Oman Airports, the Royal Oman Police, and tourism operators to help marriage ceremony occasions, creating yearly methods to attract extra weddings to the nation.

Indian {couples}, too, are absolutely reaping the advantages of the nation’s marriage ceremony tourism ambitions.

‘Loopy Wealthy Indians’

In terms of the general likeability of Muscat as a marriage vacation spot, as identified by Krupa Khimji, Founder and Director of Mosaic Occasions Oman, it’s the area’s untapped magnificence and total proximity to a number of Indian in addition to world locations that makes it a scorching favorite amongst brides and grooms.

“One of many key causes is Oman’s handy proximity to India, the broader Center East, and key European cities. It’s only a brief flight away. Additionally, Oman remains to be a comparatively untapped gem on this planet of vacation spot weddings. From serene seashores to majestic mountains and rolling desert landscapes, every occasion may be set in opposition to a uniquely beautiful backdrop, providing {couples} and their friends a refreshing various to the extra commercialized marriage ceremony locations.”

The attract of the old-world Arabic attraction could initially entice younger, much-in-love Indian {couples}, however the elements that contribute to Muscat being the ‘it’ vacation spot for brides and grooms are aplenty.

Muscat and issues of the center

For newlyweds Yash Daswani and Roshni Patel, exchanging their vows amid the stillness of Muscat was a ’no-brainer’. “Our venue nestled between two mountain ranges with beautiful views of the ocean, providing the total bundle of pure magnificence and seclusion,” mentioned the couple in unison. “What made it much more outstanding was its versatility. With a number of choices to select from,  all seven of our occasions had been comfortably accommodated, each feeling distinct and particular for our 400 friends,” added the pair.

Others, comparable to Uday Bhasin and Nanki Lamba, busy New Yorkers initially from India, felt the Omani individuals warmed the cockles of their hearts right away.

“Though Indian hospitality and meals are unmatched, Oman did its due diligence. Omani individuals are extraordinarily heat, and we felt very welcomed into the nation,” shared the couple, earlier than revealing that regardless of the various challenges of doing an out-of-country vacation spot marriage ceremony, all their necessities had been met and surpassed. “We needed primarily outside occasions. There have been, in fact, hurdles to beat, as there might be for planning any occasion. One of many main issues was attempting to do an outside Anand Karaj, which is kind of tough, however we acquired there ultimately with the crew’s help,” revealed Uday.

Within the upcoming marriage ceremony season, one other desi couple, Manav Agarwal and Sneha Khetan, are additionally tying the knot in Muscat. When requested in regards to the theme for his or her grand Indian marriage ceremony, they proudly shared, “We wish the aesthetic to pay homage to Oman, one thing that embraces its pure magnificence in addition to its tradition.”

Positive, the Indians are marrying in Muscat for a plethora of causes, and whereas the {couples} appear to be delighted with the selection they’ve made, these large-scale weddings include their fair proportion of distinctive requests that everybody concerned appears to take pleasure in taking over, from the occasion organizers to the marriage photographers.

The enjoyable, the daring, and the off-beat: What do Indian {couples} need in Muscat?

Quick reply: New-age Indian {couples} don’t wish to be “boring” and “typical”, and want to benefit from the freedom to only be with out having to host a collection of chaotic occasions on essentially the most lovely days of their lives. The onus, due to this fact, is on the organising crew to make issues occur.

“What we love is the vibe of the {couples} who select Muscat—they’re normally searching for one thing totally different, and that reveals of their vitality. We’ve had bride and grooms make ATV entrances, we’ve made {couples} run into the ocean with their associates post-Haldi, and wild, laughter-filled moments which might be pure gold for us as photographers,” mentioned Ankita Asthana, Founder, WeddingNama, who has shot 4 weddings in Muscat in the previous couple of years.

Whereas some {couples} prefer to unleash their adventurous sides throughout their marriage ceremony, others go for unheard-of themes on their large day. “Indian weddings are usually recognized for his or her vibrant colours and daring décor, however one of the vital distinctive celebrations I’ve labored on was an all-white themed celebration. From the floral preparations to the apparel and lighting, all the pieces was styled in elegant white tones. It confirmed how Indian weddings at the moment may be deeply private and creatively reimagined,” shared Jannielyn Trinidad, Occasions Supervisor, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort, who can also be answerable for planning Indian weddings on the luxurious property.

Some {couples}, alternatively, like to include their Indianness into the tradition they later embraced in life, in an Omani setting. As an example, lately, an Indian couple dwelling in Africa needed their marriage ceremony to be a sublime mish-mash of their Indo roots and African methods of life.

“A big portion of this couple’s friends flew in from varied African cities in addition to from totally different elements of the world. What made this marriage ceremony stand out was the attractive fusion of African and Indian cultures. They requested a vibrant African décor, and the music seamlessly blended with the standard Indian ceremonies, creating a really distinctive and significant celebration,” concluded Lea Agnes Arbiol, Director of MICE and Occasions Administration, Shangri-La Resorts.

With the height Indian shaadi season coming upon Muscat—between October and early April—business insiders inform me town is past able to host what’s famously often known as the ‘big-fat Indian marriage ceremony’ the world over… one baraat, one mandap, one beautiful couple at a time.