His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, attended the 11th “Sharjah Al Khair” mass wedding on Wednesday evening. The event was organised by the Sharjah Charity International and held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.
The ceremony began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by a speech delivered by Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Board Member of Sharjah Charity International, who expressed his happiness at the occasion, saying: “We are delighted this evening to gather in joy during these memorable days in which we celebrate our 54th Eid Al Etihad. Sharjah Charity International is keen to schedule its major events to coincide with the nation’s celebrations, on a night filled with human values that touch the heart before bringing delight to the eyes.”
Values of solidarity and support for youth
Al Suwaidi added: “The mass wedding at Sharjah Charity International has become one of the most significant projects we take pride in, as it translates into reality the values of solidarity and compassion upon which this Emirate was founded. It reflects the vision of our wise leadership in supporting young people and enabling them to build stable families capable of facing life with confidence.”
The journey of the mass wedding project
The Board Member recalled the beginnings of the mass wedding project, saying: “Today, we gather to celebrate with 150 grooms in one of the largest mass weddings organised by the charity within the country, continuing a journey that began in 1990, when the first steps of this project were launched by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It was the first mass wedding in the entire Middle East. Since then, it has not been merely an annual celebration, but a renewed message aimed at supporting youth and protecting them from the burdens of debt and the high costs of marriage.”
Number of beneficiaries over the years
Al Suwaidi highlighted the beneficiaries of the mass weddings organised by the charity, noting: “Sharjah Charity International has been keen to expand the scope of beneficiaries year after year, until the total number of beneficiaries of this humanitarian project reached 2,136 grooms within and outside the UAE, including 1,041 citizens, children of Emirati mothers, holders of decrees, and sons of residents whose fathers rendered great services to the nation.”
Appreciation for philanthropic support
He praised the generosity of benefactors, saying: “The success of this project would not have been possible without the support of philanthropists, foremost among them Abdulrahim Al Zarouni, the main sponsor of the mass wedding projects. He presented a genuine model of humanitarian generosity, embodying the true meaning of benevolence through his actions before his words. We owe him our gratitude and continuously pray that Allah rewards him abundantly and places his contributions in the balance of his good deeds.”
Congratulations to the newlyweds
He continued: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the grooms and their families, and we assure them that the charity will remain a supporter of all that strengthens their stability. Building the family is the foundation upon which societies are built. As we approach the Year of the Family launched UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, let your marriage be the seed of this year, forming stable families that support our great Union, whose pillars grow stronger through the efforts of its people.”
A prayer for blessings and national prosperity
Al Suwaidi concluded his speech by praying that this day becomes a joy that lasts for years, that Allah blesses the newlyweds in their steps, grants them happiness and tranquillity that fills their homes with light and mercy, and preserves the UAE’s security, cohesion, and generosity.
Documentary presentation on mass weddings in Sharjah
The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and the attendees watched a video highlighting the history of mass weddings in Sharjah, their significant role in strengthening social cohesion and family stability, the major milestones of the initiative since its launch, the success stories of couples who benefitted from the Emirate’s support, and the positive social impact achieved on individuals, families, and the wider community.
Grooms’ speech: A new beginning
Groom Ahmed Al Bedwawi delivered a speech on behalf of the newlyweds, expressing his joy at the honour of His Highness the Deputy Ruler’s attendance. He described the night as a “new birth for long-suspended dreams, and the beginning of journeys once thought distant,” praising the support of Sharjah Charity International and the benefactors who “opened doors they could never have unlocked on their own.”
Gratitude to the charity and supporters
Al Bedwawi conveyed the gratitude of all the young men celebrating their weddings, thanking Sharjah Charity International for this distinguished project which “granted them an honourable ceremony befitting them and removed the financial barriers that had stood between many young men and the establishment of a home with those they love.” He stated that family stability begins with a sincere step extended by a hand of giving.
A call to celebrate national joy
He encouraged his fellow grooms to celebrate wholeheartedly, particularly as the event coincided with 54th Eid Al Etihad, a time filled with joy, pride, and loyalty to the homeland. He praised Sharjah’s diverse charitable initiatives, which transformed this wedding into a noble message carrying great values, reminding youth of the nation’s generosity and strengthening their pride that all who live on UAE soil—citizens and residents—are united as one. He affirmed that this inspires them to repay the nation and fulfil their duty, ensuring the UAE’s journey continues to lead in generosity and in bringing happiness not only to its people but to all who reside within it.
Children’s artistic performance
A group of children presented a musical show expressing their joy at the mass wedding and the great support of the wise leadership for enhancing family stability, instilling noble values in younger generations, and offering opportunities for youth to begin their married lives with optimism and love—reflecting the importance the Emirate of Sharjah places on social initiatives.
Honouring Abdulrahim Al Zarouni
The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah honoured businessman Abdulrahim Al Zarouni in recognition of his significant contributions to supporting the mass wedding project and his ongoing societal role in backing charitable and developmental initiatives that enhance family stability and support young people in building their future.
Group photograph and best wishes
At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi took a group photograph with the grooms participating in the 11th mass wedding, wishing them success in their future lives, blessed marriages and homes, and righteous offspring.
History and impact of the “Sharjah Al Khair” mass wedding
The “Sharjah Al Khair” mass wedding, organised by Sharjah Charity International, began in 2015 and continued annually until its eleventh edition. A total of 931 young men benefitted, enabling them to build cohesive and interconnected families, thanks to the financial and moral support provided by the initiative. It helped ease the burdens of marriage and encouraged young people to establish stable family lives. The programme also became a successful model of social solidarity, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a hub for purposeful community projects.
Attendees
Alongside His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the ceremony was attended by: Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Board of Directors of Sharjah Charity International; Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; a number of senior officials and the families of the grooms.
