Widespread anger has erupted among Yemenis after videos surfaced on social media showing extravagant weddings organized by Yemeni political leaders abroad, in countries like the UAE, Turkey, and Egypt. The celebrations, costing millions, starkly contrast with the dire living conditions in Yemen, where war and poverty have devastated millions for nearly a decade.

The footage depicts opulent halls, luxurious attire, and lavish banquets, provoking accusations of "blatant provocation" against a population enduring hunger, displacement, and the collapse of basic services.

Prominent Yemeni journalist Adel Al-Shujaa criticized the hypocrisy of leaders who refuse to fund national dialogue conferences under the pretext of financial hardship, yet freely spend vast sums on personal festivities. Reports estimate that some weddings cost millions of dollars, despite Yemen being labeled by the UN as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with 80% of its population dependent on aid.

Social media erupted with hashtags like #YemenisStarve_PoliticiansCelebrate, condemning the events as “a dance on the graves of victims.” Activists and NGOs have called out the “shocking double standards” of leaders prioritizing luxury over urgent humanitarian needs.