DWP Privé 2025: The Ultimate Destination for Luxury Weddings in Sri Lanka

DWP Privé 2025: The Ultimate Destination for Luxury Weddings in Sri Lanka

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 29, 2025

DWP Privé, the highly anticipated event in the world of luxury weddings, is set to unfold at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from April 9 to 11, 2025. Organized by QnA International, this exclusive invitation-only gathering will bring together the leading names in the global destination wedding industry, setting new benchmarks for luxury celebrations worldwide.

A Premier Event for the Luxury Wedding Industry

Building upon the legacy of the DWP Congress, DWP Privé is a platform designed for elite wedding planners, luxury travel experts, and industry pioneers to network, discuss trends, and explore innovations shaping the future of destination weddings. With the global market projected to exceed $64 billion by 2030, this event presents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with experts, exchange ideas, and redefine luxury wedding experiences.

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DWP Privé will host an impressive lineup of industry icons, including:

  • Preston Bailey – globally renowned wedding designer

  • Nadia Duran – luxury event specialist

  • Sumant Jayakrishnan – celebrated set designer

  • Elizabeth Solaru – international wedding cake designer

  • Devika Narain – leading wedding stylist

  • Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Cyrielle Mohara, Mahesh Shirodkar, and Kathy Wang, among others

These industry leaders will bring their decades of expertise to the forefront, sharing insights into the evolving world of luxury weddings.

Cinnamon Life: The Perfect Host for an Exclusive Event

Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, Sri Lanka’s first integrated lifestyle resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for an event that blends opulence, exclusivity, and cultural richness. Alessandro Aldo Cabella, Senior Vice President at Cinnamon Life, shared his excitement about hosting the event:

"We are thrilled to host DWP Privé Limited Edition at Cinnamon Life. This is a proud moment for Sri Lanka, as we showcase our country’s unparalleled beauty, warm hospitality, and world-class venues to the global luxury wedding industry. Cinnamon Life embodies elegance and grandeur, making it the perfect setting for this prestigious event."

Sri Lanka: A Rising Star in Destination Weddings

With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka is rapidly gaining recognition as a top wedding destination. The country’s diverse landscapes—ranging from tea plantations and ancient cities to tropical jungles and coastal retreats—offer picturesque settings for dream weddings.

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According to Alessandro, the event will further solidify Sri Lanka’s status as a trending wedding destination:

"Sri Lanka’s rich culture and scenic charm make it an irresistible choice for couples seeking unforgettable wedding experiences. The DWP Privé aims to showcase the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer, ensuring its status as a trending destination for 2025."

An Unmissable Experience for Industry Leaders

With limited seats available, DWP Privé is expected to attract top professionals from the wedding, luxury travel, and hospitality sectors, offering them an exclusive opportunity to explore:

  • Emerging trends and challenges in the luxury wedding space

  • Sri Lanka’s growing outbound wedding market

  • Innovations in wedding planning and execution

Sidh NC, Director of QnA International, highlighted the essence of the event:

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"The architectural brilliance of Cinnamon Life represents a moonstone—a symbol of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage—while embracing a future-forward vision for the region. This reflects the spirit of DWP Privé, designed to carry forward the legacy of the DWP Congress with a modern and sophisticated twist. Attendees can expect an event that combines luxury, exclusivity, and the finest elements of the destination wedding industry."

As the world of luxury destination weddings continues to evolve, DWP Privé 2025 promises to be a landmark event, shaping the future of opulent wedding celebrations on a global scale.


Ras Al Khaimah Emerges as One of the Fastest-Growing Real Estate Markets in the Region

Ras Al Khaimah Emerges as One of the Fastest-Growing Real Estate Markets in the Region

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly cementing its position as one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing real estate markets in the United Arab Emirates. Driven by the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirate is undergoing a remarkable transformation anchored in sustainability, community well-being and smart urban planning.

In the last three years, property sales and prices in the Emirate have surged, propelled by major hospitality, residential and commercial developments. With the population expected to rise from 0.4 million to 0.65 million by 2030, demand for an estimated 45,000 additional homes is on the horizon. This growth has attracted both global developers such as Emaar, Aldar and Ellington and local leaders including Marjan, Al Hamra and RAK Properties.

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Al Marjan Island has emerged as a flagship destination in this transformation. Under the leadership of CEO Eng. Abdullah Al Abdooli, it is welcoming iconic luxury brands including Wynn, JW Marriott, Nobu, Missoni and The Address. Further expanding Ras Al Khaimah’s commercial ecosystem, Marjan is developing RAK Central, set to become one of the Northern Emirates’ largest business districts, with Grade-A offices and sustainable infrastructure.

Al Hamra, led by CEO Benoy Kurien, continues to shape community living with Al Hamra Village’s 4,000+ homes, golf course and vibrant community. The group is also spearheading projects such as Waldorf Astoria Residences, Falcon Island, Al Hamra Waterfront and Manar Mall, the Emirate’s most popular retail hub.

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RAK Properties, through its landmark Mina development, is redefining the Emirate’s shoreline. Already hosting world-class resorts like Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah and InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah, it is gearing up to welcome Nikki Beach, Staybridge Suites and a Four Seasons. Commenting on this momentum, Chairman Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Zaabi said, “We are creating a vibrant, sustainable environment that is attracting global investment while maintaining the unique culture and natural heritage of our Emirate.” CEO Sameh Muhtadi added, “We are witnessing unprecedented global interest and this momentum will only continue.”

Supporting this real estate boom is Ras Al Khaimah’s strong infrastructure: eight hospitals including RAK Hospital, a modern education ecosystem, and its ranking among the world’s safest places. Tourism further strengthens the Emirate’s appeal, with 1.28 million visitors in 2024 enjoying attractions like Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline and the UAE’s highest-altitude restaurant, 1484 by Puro.

At the heart of it all lies Ras Al Khaimah’s 2030 Vision, a people-first development strategy focused on sustainability, inclusivity and global competitiveness. With its rising skyline, thriving communities and investor-friendly ecosystem, the Emirate is emerging as a benchmark for urban growth, lifestyle innovation and long-term prosperity.


New Zealand Shifts All Student Visa Applications to Upgraded Online Platform

New Zealand Shifts All Student Visa Applications to Upgraded Online Platform

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 19, 2025

Applying for a student visa to New Zealand will now look different, with the country introducing a fully digital process. Starting today, all international student visa applications will be processed through Immigration New Zealand’s upgraded online platform, ADEPT. The move is aimed at reducing paperwork, expediting decisions, and making the process simpler and more efficient for applicants worldwide.

From August 18, applications for English Language Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, Fee Paying Student Visa, Pathway Student Visa, New Zealand Government Scholarship Student Visa, and Foreign Government Supported Student Visa are automatically being directed to the new ADEPT form. Any applications submitted through the old system on or before August 17 will continue to be processed, while draft applications must be submitted by September 17. After this date, all draft applications will be deleted.

Immigration New Zealand confirmed that from September 18, paper applications will no longer be accepted for student visa categories, marking a complete shift to online processing. This change is part of a broader seven-year programme designed to transition all visa categories to a single digital platform. Visitor Visas, Accredited Employer Work Visas, and Permanent Resident Visas have already been on the ADEPT system since 2021.

In its official statement, Immigration New Zealand said, “Customers and staff are at the heart of the Our Future Services programme. We are aiming to deliver a simpler, faster, and more user-friendly visa application process to reduce waiting times, provide clear communication on application status, and increase self-service capabilities so everyone feels more informed and better supported.”

The immigration agency has also advised applicants to apply at least three months before their intended travel date, as this remains a peak period for student visa processing. Family-related visa products linked to student visas will also be shifted to the new system over the coming year as part of the phased rollout.

This digital transformation marks an important milestone for international students aspiring to study in New Zealand, providing a streamlined and modern approach to visa processing.


Red Dot Representations Partners with Unique Lanka Travels to Elevate Sri Lankan Tourism

Red Dot Representations Partners with Unique Lanka Travels to Elevate Sri Lankan Tourism

By Hariharan U

Published on August 19, 2025

India’s leading destination representation firm, Red Dot Representations, has joined hands with Unique Lanka Travels, a top travel solutions provider from Sri Lanka, to expand the island nation’s global reach and redefine the way travellers experience it.

The collaboration marks an important milestone in showcasing Sri Lanka’s beauty, culture, and diversity to a wider international audience. With Red Dot’s expertise in bespoke sales and marketing strategies, Unique Lanka Travels will gain the kind of exposure and two-way communication usually reserved for larger travel companies. This means travellers can look forward to extraordinary, customised experiences crafted with precision and care.

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Highlighting Sri Lanka’s appeal, Charith De Alwis, CEO of Unique Lanka Travels, shared,"Sri Lanka is a captivating paradise for high-end Indian travellers seeking luxury, adventure, and cultural richness. Offering pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, and vibrant heritage sites, Sri Lanka is perfect for indulgent stays at world-class resorts and thrilling outdoor adventures. At Unique Lanka Travels, our team is dedicated to customizing your experience and ensuring a seamless, pampered journey. We are excited to collaborate with Red.dot representation, a market expert, to grow together and bring exclusive Sri Lankan adventures to discerning travellers. Make Sri Lanka a must-visit destination on your bucket list!"

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Echoing the sentiment, Prabhakar Kamat, Business Head at Red Dot Representations, said,"We are excited to represent Unique Lanka Travels, as their focus on authenticity and quality brings values that align perfectly with ours. Our onus as a team will be to engage on a platform that represents Sri Lanka as a must-see destination through one-of-a-kind sales and marketing initiatives to today’s traveler."

With this partnership, both companies are set to enhance Sri Lanka’s presence in key markets, engage closely with trade partners, and set new benchmarks in experiential travel. The collaboration ultimately aims to enrich the journeys of global travellers, making Sri Lanka a must-visit destination for those seeking both luxury and authenticity

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