Watch out Bahrain! Jordan is budding to be the next go-to destination for weddings in the Middle East as it prepares to host the 11th Annual Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress.
Jordan’s coastal city of Aqaba was selected to host the next nuptial-focused event on 7-9 October 2025 during which Jordan’s tourism leaders have promised to illustrate the destination’s potential as a “top-tier location for luxury weddings and events globally”.
Around 400 industry professionals from 70 countries are expected to attend the DWP including travel agents, luxury wedding planners, designers and suppliers, hoteliers, tourism boards, photographers and bridal couture designers.
“It’s an exceptional opportunity to showcase Aqaba’s rich cultural heritage, stunning coastal landscapes, and renowned hospitality,” said Nayef Al-Fayez, Chief Commissioner of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). “This event will bring together leading global industry professionals, highlighting Aqaba’s potential as a premier wedding destination.”
Jordan has about 30 billion reasons to be excited to host DWP because according to International Research Group, the global wedding market was valued at around $30.7 billion in 2023.
As more couples turn to destination weddings, the market is expected to continue growing at around 26.44% annually to reach $253.3 billion by 2032.
“Hosting the 11th Annual DWP Congress in Aqaba aligns with our goal of making the city a premier MICE destination,” said Hamza Haj Hassan, Deputy Chief Commissioner/Commissioner for Economic Development and Tourism of ASEZA. “This event underscores our commitment to elevating Aqaba’s global profile in the meetings, events, and wedding industry.”
Jordan has made significant investment in its wedding market and now offers a range of experiences from beachfront ceremonies on the Red Sea to celebrations in Wadi Rum, events by the Dead Sea and more. Aqaba also recently opened the Aqaba International Exhibition Center which marks a major advancement in the city’s ability to host exhibitions and conferences.
