In a significant move for the local fashion and wedding industry, Bride Maldives has officially announced the return of its flagship event, the Bride Fair, scheduled for June 4th and 5th, 2026. This year’s event carries special weight, marking a homecoming to the iconic Barceló Nasandhura Malé and signalling a new chapter for an event that began in 2010.

The partnership was solidified during a signing ceremony held on January 14th between Mr Enrique Rene, Deputy General Manager of Barceló Nasandhura Malé, and Mr Shafy, CEO of Bride Maldives. The agreement establishes the newly redeveloped hotel as the official host for the two-day premier wedding showcase.

Restoring a Legacy

The Bride Fair held its inaugural event in 2010 and quickly became the definitive platform for Maldivian fashion designers, makeup artists, and wedding service providers. After a brief hiatus and the total redevelopment of its original venue, the fair's return to Nasandhura is seen by many as a restoration of Malé's cultural and social fabric.

Historically, the Nasandhura Palace Hotel was the "go-to" venue for Maldivian weddings and major gatherings. Now, as the five-star Barceló Nasandhura Malé, the venue offers modern sophistication while maintaining its prestigious reputation as the capital's premier event destination.

Addressing the Venue Crisis, the announcement comes at a critical time for the Maldivian event industry. For years, event organisers in the capital have faced severe challenges due to a lack of adequate hosting venues. With Male’s dense urban landscape and limited large-scale facilities, many organisers have been forced to scale back their visions or relocate events to distant resorts.

The return of the Bride Fair to Nasandhura highlights the property’s role as a vital solution to this infrastructure gap. With its state-of-the-art facilities and central location, it is an ideal venue for an event of this scale.

Managed by High Rise in collaboration with Bride Maldives, the 2026 fair will feature:

* A Designer’s Stage: Showcasing the evolution of Maldivian bridal fashion since the fair’s 2010 inception.

* Industry Hub: A centralised space for photographers, florists, and planners to connect with the public.

* Convenience for Couples: A one-stop shop for everything needed to plan a wedding in the heart of the city.

Hosting this at Nasandhura is not just about the venue; it’s about the heritage. We started in 2010, and returning to this location allows us to provide a world-class experience that Malé has been missing due to the venue shortages in recent years," said Shafy, CEO of Bride Maldives