As gender reveal parties continue to rise in popularity worldwide, some residents of the UAE are reportedly spending up to Dh500,000 on these extravagant events, according to local event planners. These celebrations range from drone displays in the sky and light shows on the Burj Khalifa to elaborate smoke waterfalls and colorful streamers, showcasing the UAE's penchant for grandiosity in such occasions.
Gauri Chadha, the creative director of Big Night Events (BNE), noted a significant global trend towards the popularity of gender reveal parties. She revealed that they have witnessed expenditures reaching Dh500,000 for a single event, with costs largely dependent on the creative concept and guest count, typically exceeding Dh250,000. However, Chadha also mentioned accommodating clients with tighter budgets, ensuring they receive the best possible experience within their means.
Recently, Dubai influencers Nora and Khalid Alherani marked a regional first with a drone show at their gender reveal party. In 2020, another notable event featured Syrian influencers Anas and Asala Marwah, whose reveal was displayed on the Burj Khalifa. Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, founder of Tish Tash, a digital marketing agency, attributes the surge in these parties' popularity partly to social media, where people increasingly share their life events creatively and visually.
Despite some global criticisms of gender reveal parties for causing environmental damage and even fatalities, such as the 2021 California wildfire sparked by a gender reveal, the trend shows no signs of waning. Instead, it appears to be gaining momentum, with more brands collaborating with influencers to capitalize on this trend. Hatherall-Shawe noted that as these events become more viral, the costs associated with producing such content for brands are rising, making these collaborations more appealing.
For event planners like Kunal Rupani, managing director of BNE, these parties are more than just events; they are emotional milestones. Rupani shared a memorable event where a couple from Paris, after learning their baby's gender, planned a reveal in Dubai, incorporating elements of French culture. The event featured grand streamer blasts, colored smoke, and a host of other creative touches.
Despite the varying costs and occasional controversies, gender reveal parties seem to be cementing their place in modern celebrations. Natasha Hatherall-Shawe believes they will continue to evolve and become more mainstream, supported by the growing availability of themed decorations and the increasing commercial interest in these events.
Gauri Chadha concurs, highlighting the UAE's unique position to host such imaginative and extravagant reveals, where creativity knows no bounds.
