Sympathy Flowers in the UAE: Etiquette and What to Send
Quick answer: when sending sympathy flowers in the UAE, choose a calm, simple arrangement in white or soft colours, such as white hydrangeas or white roses, and send it to the family’s home rather than to the funeral. Customs differ between families and faiths: in traditional Emirati and many Muslim families, condolences are offered in person over three days and flowers are not part of the tradition, so a visit, a call or a kind message may be more appropriate. If you’re unsure, ask a close friend of the family first.
Knowing what to send when someone has lost a loved one is never easy. This short guide from 800petals will help you get it right in the UAE.
Understand the family’s customs first
The UAE is home to many cultures, and condolence customs vary:
- Emirati and many Muslim families: the condolence period traditionally lasts three days, with family and friends visiting the home to offer sympathy. Flowers are not traditional; visiting, calling or giving to charity in the name of the deceased are more common gestures.
- Many expatriate families: sympathy flowers sent to the home or a memorial service are a familiar and welcome way to show you care.
If you don’t know the family’s wishes, a simple arrangement sent to the home a few days later, with a respectful card, is the gentlest option.
Which flowers to choose
- White hydrangeas: soft, full and calm, with almost no scent. See Moonlight Bloom.
- White roses: a respectful, classic choice. See our White Rose Bouquet.
- Soft, muted colours: cream, pale green and soft lilac feel peaceful.
Avoid bright reds, which usually signal romance, and very strongly scented flowers in a home full of visitors. Our guide to rose colour meanings explains why white is the respectful choice.
When and where to send
- Send to the home, addressed to the family, rather than to a mosque, hospital or cemetery.
- Consider timing. Flowers that arrive a few days or a week later often mean more, when the first visitors have gone.
- Keep it modest. A simple arrangement in a vase or basket is easier for a grieving family than a large display.
What to write on a sympathy card
- “With deepest sympathy. Thinking of you and your family.”
- “Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.”
- “Wishing you peace and comfort. With love from all of us.”
Send sympathy flowers
See our sympathy and condolence flowers, hand-arranged by expert florists and delivered to homes across Sharjah, Dubai and the UAE, with your card message included.
Frequently asked questions
Flowers are not part of traditional Islamic mourning, so many families prefer a visit, a call or a donation in the name of the deceased. Some families, especially those used to other customs, still welcome them. If in doubt, ask someone close to the family.
White is the safest and most respectful choice, followed by cream and soft pastel shades.
Within the first week or two. Sending a little later, after the first days of visitors, is also thoughtful.
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