As the weather is getting colder & colder, kids have started jotting down letters/wish lists to Santa uncle and adults are secretly planning for generous Xmas gifts & Secret Santas. Celebrating Xmas in the UAE is all about enjoyment & merry making and unfolds as a unique blend of cultures. You will find the emirates brimming with Yule trees, fairy lights, gala ornaments and whatnot. This article will take you dashing through the magical world of UAE’s Christmas tradition to help you understand how the festive season transforms the region into a magical tapestry.
The multicultural ethos of the country of gold is magnificently showcased during Christmas. The colourful and magical Christmas fairs, events, activities and shows are simply tree-mendous. Everyone coming together collectively to celebrate the holiday season stands as a shining example of unity, offering a delightful fusion of traditional Emirati dance, international carol performances and a vibrant marketplace. It’s a celebration where the local and expatriate populations harmoniously contribute to the festivities.
Gift-giving during Christmas in the UAE is a cherished practice that goes beyond the ordinary. The market is filled with a diverse array of Christmas gifts, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From opulent Arabic perfumes to locally crafted ornaments and personalised treasures, the choices of Xmas gifts are simply endless. Friends and families even wish one another ‘Merry Christmas’ with a Christmas tree which winter-fully adds an extra layer of joy to the holiday season. It is also a common practice to exchange Christmas gifts online with everyone near and far. This way, people have been expressing their love and warmth for the season despite the distance.
As the UAE embraces the spirit of Christmas, its emirates come alive with a kaleidoscope of events. The Dubai Christmas Festival and the Winter Fest in Abu Dhabi are annual highlights, offering enchanting light displays, international cuisine stalls, and a plethora of experiences.
The Yas Winter Carnival, with its artificial ice rink and snow zone, brings a touch of winter magic to the sun-kissed desert landscape. You can also enjoy Christmas carols at Burjuman Mall or spend Christmas on the QE2 cruise liner in Dubai; Indeed a luxurious and unforgettable way to mark the season as magical.
When it comes to feasts, families put their unique spin on traditional Christmas dishes. It is a common sight to find aromatic biryanis sharing the table with classic roast turkey and baklava-infused Christmas puddings to delight the taste buds. Alongside, traditional plum cake and cookies are enjoyed together or given as Christmas gifts. Emirati households infuse Middle Eastern spices into festive dishes, creating a fusion that symbolises the diversity of the region.
As Christmas lights adorn palm trees and gold and silver ornaments reflect the desert sun, the country’s take on decor is a visual spectacle. The iconic Burj Khalifa, standing tall and proud, is illuminated in festive colours, casting a warm glow over the city. People ensure their home is the most cheerful on the block by buying the most fancy Christmas decorations such as wreaths and Christmas trees decked with wholesome ornaments and lighting. The halls dance to festive jingles that get everyone into the season’s spirit. The collaboration of Western aesthetics and Middle Eastern influences affects the UAE’s household Xmas decor as a whole.
‘Tis the time for creating cherished memories with beloved people, enjoying mulled beverages, the aroma of gingerbread, lighting up the home and filling bellies with good food, love & laughter. Besides, in the UAE, Christmas is not just a season; it’s an immersive experience with vibrant events, fusion cuisine and unique decorations that adorn the cityscape.
Wishing you and your dear ones a Ho-Ho-Happy Christmas!
Celebrating Christmas in the United Arab Emirates
