In a remarkable humanitarian gesture coinciding with its 54th National Day, the United Arab Emirates has transformed the lives of 54 Palestinian couples through its innovative ‘Thoub Al-Farah’ (Gown of Joy) initiative. The program, operating under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, provided fully sponsored weddings for Gazan grooms selected through a lottery system from 577 registered applicants.
The comprehensive sponsorship package included wedding attire for both bride and groom, transportation, tents, and essential supplies, addressing the profound challenges faced by couples whose marriage plans had been devastated by ongoing conflict. The initiative extended support beyond the selected couples, providing aid parcels to all registered applicants in a broad-based effort to sustain community morale.
Among the beneficiaries, Saleh Al-Sabbah recounted losing his home, leg, and family member during the hostilities. ‘My dream home is gone because of the war, but we will start again from the tent provided for us,’ he stated, embodying the resilience that characterizes many Gazans. Despite his losses, Al-Sabbah expressed renewed determination to build a family life from the foundations of humanitarian assistance.
The emotional impact of the initiative was profound. Ahed Abu Dahrouj described the timing as ‘perfect happiness after two years of war,’ noting that no household had been spared from the conflict’s devastation. Muath Abu Hleib, who had lost everything prepared for his marriage after being displaced eight times, found the initiative revived his possibility for celebration amid displacement.
The selection process created moments of unexpected joy. Hikmat Liwa, initially believing he hadn’t been chosen, described the shock of hearing his name announced as the seventh selected groom: ‘I couldn’t stand up… I checked more than once to make sure it was really my name.’
This humanitarian wedding project represents more than ceremonial support—it symbolizes the restoration of dignity and normalcy for a population enduring extraordinary circumstances, demonstrating how targeted aid can revive dreams nearly lost beneath the rubble of conflict.