Sheika Hissa. Photo: Ahmad Ali Tahaei
Earlier this year, HRH Sheikha Hissa Bint Hamdan Al Maktoum tied the knot with Sheikh Maktoum bin Majid Al Maktoum in a royal Emirati wedding. The daughter of HRH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum – the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the United Arab Emirates, and Deputy Ruler of Dubai – also had a henna party before the ceremony, as is customary in the region.
Photo: Courtesy of MOD
To bring the special affair to life, the palace approached MOD. Founded by Mohammad Alhouri and Sanad Ibrahim in 2019, the Dubai-based luxury event company is all about showcasing current, unapologetic, and undeniable elegance. This philosophy lay in perfect symbiosis with a royal bride who wished for a more contemporary ambiance over the traditional baroque and gold opulence of henna nights.
Photo: Courtesy of MOD
“Designing the henna night for Her Royal Highness was a profound experience for us and an honor. MOD as a brand represents celebrating the rich history of the Middle East paired with modern sensibilities,” commented Alhouri and Ibrahim, establishing that despite their modern approach to decor, the pair ensures that they incorporate the principles and heritage of the Middle East into all of their events.
Photo: Courtesy of MOD
MOD was first approached by the palace in February 2020, allowing them just enough time to plan and implement an event of such grandeur. Titled ‘The Grand Halls of Heritage’ the project involved the building of a 3,500 sqft custom structure on the grounds of Zabeel Palace. Built using solid wood and MDF, the venue featured hand-carved bespoke artwork on stone, columns built in metallic chrome panels with marble accents, and a grand dome with a height of seven meters in metal and frosted glass.
Photo: Courtesy of MOD
These structural elements were complemented by custom furniture built in the MOD atelier in the finest quality materials ranging from plush bouclé to polished metals and woods. While countless hydrangeas, custom tapered candles, and six million stems of lavender were developed by MOD Concept into pieces of floral art enhancing the ambiance further. The use of lavender which signifies purity, serenity, and grace held deep personal meaning to Sheikha Hissa.
Photo: Courtesy of MOD
The tasteful henna night not only marked the beginning of the wedding processions but was attended by only 600 of the most important women known to the family, establishing an air of royal exclusivity. The event was followed by a wedding ceremony joined by several members of the UAE royal family including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Hamdan, and Sheikh Maktoum. Photo: Courtesy of MOD
The wedding on April 25, 2023, was followed by a women-only ceremony on May 5. The marble engraved invitations were shared far and wide on social media – the Arabic text invited esteemed guests to attend the event at Zabeel Halls and wish the newlywed royal couple.
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