• Indian Idol judge Salim Merchant performs hits alongside brother Sulaiman
• Hundreds fly in from around the world to celebrate the prestigious ceremony
• Guests say picturesque Al Hamra Village chosen over Bali, other destinations
Salim
and Sulaiman Merchant, two of Bollywood’s most celebrated music
directors and artists better known as ‘Salim-Sulaiman’, were among the
list of celebrities to attend the latest destination wedding to be held
on the golden shores of Al Hamra Village in RAK.
The
acclaimed duo, responsible for producing the theme tune to the 2010
World Cup in South Africa, lay on a very special performance for the
young Shah couple at the private sangeet ceremony, a women-only music
evening that is traditionally held before Indian wedding. Hundreds of
guests were flown in from around the world to 3-day ceremony.
On
the third and final day of the celebration, a reception was also hosted
by the award-winning singer and music director, Roop Kumar Rathod, who
played a set of romantic numbers with his wife to create a magical
evening beneath the stars, guests explained.
“The
couple could not have chosen a better location for their marriage. The
scenery is spectacular. It’s a very romantic place. I know the couple
chose Al Hamra Village over a number of other wedding destinations. I
can certainly see why,” Salim Merchant said.
Salim
Merchant, a judge on series 5 and 6 of the hit TV show Indian Idol, and
brother Sulaiman were heard to have expressed similar sentiments about
the hospitality and the facilities on offer at Al Hamra Village, and
Benoy Kurien, General Manager at Al Hamra Real Estate Development shared
his pride at receiving such a high-profile endorsement.
“Salim-Sulaiman
are among the biggest names in Bollywood. They have directing music for
multi-million dollar productions, such as Mardaani (2014), Band Baaja
Baarat (2010), and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008). The latter grossed US$25
million at the box office.”
“For
the couple to have chosen Al Hamra Village ahead of well-established
destinations like is absolutely fantastic, but to receive the
endorsement of Salim-Sulaiman as well is something else. It is a
fantastic achievement for everyone at Al Hamra Village,” he said.
A
campaign to promote Al Hamra Village as a top location for destination
weddings was only launched at the end of 2014, when 800 guests descended
on the picture-perfect beach and golf club in celebration of two grand
Indian weddings, explained Mr Kurien.
As
with previous celebrations, almost 300 of the 346 rooms at the Waldorf
Astoria were booked out by wedding guests, with support staff accounting
for a significant proportion of the occupancy at the other luxury
hotels within Al Hamra Village’s luxury community.
“One
reason for our increasing popularity is the stunning natural backdrop
provided by the Arabian Gulf and the clear night skies,” said Mr Kurien.
“Practically, we’re also within touching distance of the world’s
busiest airport, which is big consideration for guests.”
“We’ve already had requests to host weddings through the year and into 2016. 