In Khan Younis, preparations are underway as the UAE readies for a spectacular Eid Al Etihad wedding celebration, featuring traditional dabke performances and drawing widespread excitement across Gaza.
Khan Younis Hosts Dabke: UAE Gears Up for Grand Gaza Eid Al Etihad Wedding Celebration.
Gaza is gradually preparing to experience a moment of collective joy and celebration as it gets ready to host a mass wedding uniting 54 couples. For many in the city, still healing from the deep scars left by years of conflict, this event represents more than just a ceremony—it is a chance to embrace hope, to feel normalcy, and to witness a spark of happiness amid the lingering challenges of post-war life. The atmosphere is expected to be filled with gentle optimism, as residents emerge from the shadow of past hardships to share in a rare occasion of festivity. Streets will come alive with music and celebration, as traditional bands perform and families gather to witness and participate in a milestone they have long dreamed of. With December 2 approaching, anticipation is building rapidly, as Gazans count down the days to an event symbolizing renewal, resilience, and communal unity.
In the wake of two years of devastating conflict and loss, Gaza is slowly trying to reclaim a sense of normal life. It is in this context that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), through its humanitarian initiative Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, has taken the unprecedented step of organizing the first mass wedding of its kind in the region since hostilities began. This large-scale initiative is notable not only for its scale but also for its intent: to offer families burdened by economic and emotional hardship a rare opportunity to celebrate a life milestone in dignity and joy. The UAE’s involvement reflects a commitment to supporting communities recovering from the trauma of war and contributing to the social and emotional rehabilitation of Gaza’s younger generation.
For many of the participating couples, the prospect of marriage had previously been overshadowed by the practical and financial difficulties imposed by prolonged instability. Weddings, often costly and complex even under normal circumstances, have been unattainable for many due to economic strain. By organizing a collective celebration, the UAE initiative is removing these barriers and allowing these young couples to begin their married life in a festive and supportive environment. Beyond the personal happiness of the brides and grooms, the event promises a broader communal uplift, bringing together families, neighbors, and friends in shared celebration.
The mass wedding is also symbolic of Gaza’s resilience and determination to find moments of beauty and celebration despite ongoing adversity. The sight of streets adorned for festivities, the sound of music, and the gathering of loved ones is intended to restore a sense of vitality and hope to a community that has endured tremendous suffering. This collective celebration is not merely a ceremony—it is a statement of life continuing, of dreams still attainable, and of the human spirit’s ability to rise even from the aftermath of war.
In essence, this initiative serves multiple purposes: it brings joy to couples and families, provides a psychological and social boost to a recovering city, and showcases solidarity and support from the UAE. As Gaza approaches December 2, the city is poised to witness an event that will be remembered not just for the weddings themselves, but for the renewal of hope, the celebration of life, and the reaffirmation that even in the most challenging circumstances, moments of shared happiness remain possible.
Preparations are in full swing in Gaza for the Thoub Al-Farah (Gown of Joy) initiative, an ambitious project designed to celebrate the marriages of 54 couples, marking a historic occasion in the war-torn region. The timing of this mass wedding has been carefully coordinated to coincide with the United Arab Emirates’ 54th Eid Al Etihad, adding a symbolic layer to the festivities. The event seeks to bring joy and hope to families and young couples who have endured years of hardship, offering them an opportunity to celebrate love, commitment, and community in a public and festive setting.
According to Mohammed AlShareef, the official spokesperson for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, this initiative was deliberately planned to align with the UAE’s National Day celebrations. He told Khaleej Times that the event represents not only a joyful occasion for the couples but also a meaningful gesture reflecting the UAE’s solidarity with the people of Gaza. “This special celebration in Gaza was organized to coincide with the UAE’s National Day and the 54th anniversary of the Union,” AlShareef explained, emphasizing the symbolic significance of linking the couple’s personal milestones with a major national commemoration.
The Thoub Al-Farah initiative has been conceived as more than just a wedding ceremony; it is a statement of hope, resilience, and shared humanity. For the 54 couples involved, many of whom have faced financial and logistical challenges in organizing their marriages, the event provides a rare chance to begin their new lives together in dignity and celebration. Families, neighbors, and local communities will gather to witness the unions, as traditional music, festive decorations, and cultural performances set the stage for a memorable day. By aligning the celebrations with the UAE’s 54th National Day, the initiative underscores the importance of unity, support, and humanitarian collaboration, while offering Gaza’s residents a much-needed reprieve from the hardships of daily life.
The plan was to bring together 54 couples to tie the knot on December 2, 2025, coinciding with the UAE National Day. The choice of this specific number carries a deep symbolic significance, reflecting the shared values of solidarity and friendship between the people of the UAE and Palestine. It is a gesture of mutual celebration: while the UAE marks its national milestone, Palestinians join in the joy, demonstrating a bond of unity and support between the two nations.
To amplify the spirit of this unique celebration, the organizers will highlight the event across media platforms using the hashtag #Gown_of_Joy. This symbol captures the essence of Gaza embracing happiness after enduring two years of hardship and conflict, portraying a city eager to reclaim moments of festivity and hope. The hashtag not only chronicles the weddings but also represents the broader emotional revival of the community, showing the world how Gaza is draping itself in joy and resilience.
Preparations in Full Swing
Organizing a mass wedding of this scale requires extensive planning and coordination. The logistical arrangements are vast, encompassing the selection of a suitable venue, construction of a stage, arrangement of seating, and the display of flags and banners. Participants and attendees will be provided with sashes, caps, and handheld signs, while sound systems, cameras, and live musical bands will ensure the celebration is lively and memorable. Additional cultural elements, including scout groups and traditional folkloric performers, are also being incorporated to enrich the event and provide a festive atmosphere.
For the couples themselves, preparations are equally comprehensive. Wedding tents, furniture, restroom facilities, bridal gowns, salon services, and financial support are being arranged to ensure that each pair can celebrate this milestone with dignity and joy.
According to Mohammed AlShareef, spokesperson for the initiative, “This event involves mobilizing the widest possible network of relief and social support organizations to assist Palestinian youth who face financial challenges in starting their married lives. The goal is to provide essential resources for
establishing and sustaining Palestinian families.”
The UAE is taking the lead in offering support, providing not only financial assistance but also essential items such as shelter tents, blankets, mattresses, clothing, household goods, and women’s necessities.
AlShareef further explained, “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 will cover all aspects of this celebration. The entire wedding will be fully sponsored by the operation, with active participation from Emirati officials. Many visual elements and symbols throughout the event will highlight its alignment with the UAE’s 54th National Day, underscoring its meaning and significance.”
No other humanitarian organization has conducted a similar initiative in Gaza over the past two years, making this the first large-scale effort to restore genuine happiness to a community deeply affected by conflict. The project carries profound symbolic weight, offering families hope at a time when many young couples desire to begin their lives together but face financial constraints. The entire celebration will be documented under the hashtag #Thoub_Al_Farah, capturing Gazans’ resolve to embrace joy and life once again despite years of hardship.
Selection Process for the Mass Wedding
The process of selecting the couples for the upcoming mass wedding under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 was carefully structured to ensure fairness, transparency, and the inclusion of those most in need. Registration for the initiative was made available for a limited period of three days through the official online platform of the operation. During this period, prospective brides and grooms were invited to submit their applications, providing personal details and necessary documentation to demonstrate eligibility.
Once the registration window closed, a professional committee was formed to review the applications. The committee comprised a diverse group of experts, including academics, statisticians, IT specialists, and social researchers, whose combined expertise was used to ensure that selections were conducted systematically and fairly. The committee employed a detailed set of criteria to shortlist candidates. Key eligibility requirements included an age range of 27 to 40, possession of a marriage contract issued before November 1, 2025, and the condition that applicants not be employed in government positions. In addition, applicants were required to provide proof of financial need, ensuring that the support reached those genuinely facing economic hardship. Extra consideration was given to individuals who had suffered losses of family members during the recent conflict, reflecting the initiative’s focus on providing hope and support to the most affected members of society.
Mohammed AlShareef, spokesperson for the initiative, explained that once the committee had finalized its review, the selected beneficiaries would be contacted directly. At that point, detailed communications would begin to arrange all aspects of the wedding and celebration, including logistical planning, attire, venues, and related support. AlShareef emphasized that the goal was to ensure that every couple could celebrate their union with dignity and joy, while also maintaining the symbolic significance of the event as a collective moment of hope and happiness for Gaza.
Event Location and Programme
The mass wedding is scheduled to take place in Khan Younis—Hamdan City, located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. This location was chosen carefully for its spacious outdoor areas, ease of access, and logistical convenience, allowing organizers to accommodate a large number of guests, performers, and participants efficiently. The ceremony will be held in an open-air square, complete with accessible roadways, backstage facilities, and designated preparation areas for performers and other groups before they appear on stage. The setup is designed to ensure smooth coordination while providing a safe and festive environment for everyone attending.
The programme of events has been thoughtfully organized to highlight both celebration and cultural heritage. It will begin with a brief, meaningful address by representatives of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, setting the tone for the day and emphasizing the symbolic significance of the gathering. This will be followed by performances from a choral group, bringing a harmonious and uplifting start to the festivities. Guests will then enjoy traditional dabke dance displays, national folklore ensembles, and demonstrations by local scout groups, all of which aim to showcase Gaza’s rich cultural traditions.
The carefully planned sequence of performances is intended to evoke a sense of renewed joy and resilience, symbolizing life and celebration emerging from the challenges and devastation of recent conflicts. Through music, dance, and communal participation, the event seeks to create an atmosphere of shared happiness and hope for the future.
Security and Organisational Measures
Mohammed AlShareef emphasized that there are no specific security threats to attendees of the mass wedding, as the designated venue is located within a “green zone”, far from any active conflict areas. The site can be effectively secured by professional teams, ensuring a safe environment for all participants. While managing large crowds presents a logistical consideration, the presence of trained crowd-control personnel is expected to address this efficiently, allowing the event to proceed smoothly.
AlShareef noted, “Coordination with field teams, community leaders, and local neighborhood representatives indicates that there are no significant challenges that could disrupt the celebration.” He highlighted that the initiative will be fully executed by the supporting committee of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 in Gaza, which has mobilized a dedicated team of volunteers responsible for various aspects, including media, administration, finance, women’s affairs, security, reception, and public relations. In addition, external specialists have been brought in to maintain the highest standards of organisation and operational readiness.
Preparations are already underway on multiple fronts, encompassing procurement, logistics, technical arrangements, and media coverage. The committee is coordinating closely with the Hamdan City Municipality to guarantee the safety and comfort of guests and participants. This thorough approach ensures that the mass wedding will not only be a landmark event within Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 but also a safe, well-managed, and memorable celebration for all involved.
Paving the Way for Future Celebrations
Mohammed AlShareef, spokesperson for Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, highlighted the broader significance of the upcoming mass wedding in Gaza, emphasizing that this initiative is intended as a starting point for a larger, ongoing program. “This event is designed not only to celebrate the unions of the 54 couples involved but also to lay the groundwork for a more extensive series of mass weddings in the future,” he explained. According to AlShareef, the success of this initial ceremony could serve as a blueprint for supporting hundreds of additional young couples in the coming years, ultimately benefiting over 1,000 attendees when including families, relatives, and community members. The idea is to provide a structured, well-organized approach to marriage celebrations for young people facing economic and social challenges, particularly in regions affected by conflict and hardship.
He further noted that the initiative responds directly to a pressing need in Gaza. Many young couples face significant obstacles when attempting to start their married lives, with limited financial resources making traditional wedding arrangements nearly impossible. These challenges have been compounded by years of conflict, economic instability, and social disruption. “Everyone in Gaza is currently confronting serious difficulties when it comes to arranging weddings,” AlShareef said. “It is a matter that requires careful and responsible attention from all partners, donors, and humanitarian supporters engaged in the region.”
The role of the UAE in this process, he emphasized, is central and transformative. Beyond providing financial and material support for the current mass wedding, the UAE is helping to create a model for sustainable support for young couples. This includes not only covering the immediate costs associated with weddings—such as venues, dresses, household necessities, and ceremonial arrangements—but also offering a framework for continued assistance as more couples seek to marry under challenging circumstances. The UAE’s involvement is both symbolic and practical, demonstrating a commitment to solidarity with the Palestinian people while directly alleviating some of the socio-economic pressures they face.
AlShareef also pointed out the long-term vision behind the initiative. By documenting and publicizing the celebrations, particularly through social media campaigns and the hashtag #Thoub_Al_Farah, the program aims to inspire similar projects, both locally and regionally. The hope is that as awareness grows, other organizations, countries, and donors may adopt comparable programs to support young couples in areas affected by conflict or poverty. He emphasized that these weddings are not merely ceremonial events; they are catalysts for social stability, community cohesion, and hope, allowing young people to envision a future in which life, celebration, and family-building are possible despite ongoing hardships.
In conclusion, AlShareef described the initiative as a model of resilience and optimism, stating that the upcoming mass wedding is the first step in a broader effort to restore joy, dignity, and opportunity for Gaza’s youth. He expressed confidence that the successful execution of this ceremony would pave the way for additional programs, ensuring that marriage becomes a reachable and celebratory milestone for more young people. By combining humanitarian support, careful planning, and strong partnerships—particularly with the UAE—the initiative aims to create a sustainable framework that addresses both immediate needs and long-term social and cultural goals, offering hope to a generation determined to move forward.
