Dubai, being a city located in the Middle East, Arab region, prevalently Islamic environment…one would think Christmas won’t have a place in its book. Wrong. I bet first time visitors and expats who come during Christmas time has that little fear of losing the Christmas feeling just because they have landed in an Islamic country. I had the same worry three years ago.
Every year, Dubai makes all the needed preparations and decorations to welcome Christmas and make the atmosphere Christmas-sy to foreign residents who celebrate it. There are Christmas trees in most (if not all!) malls and hotels. The photo above was taken inside Radisson SAS Hotel in Deira. The streets are lit up. There are lots of Christmas events like annual Christmas tree lighting or meeting with Santa which is always a hit for the kids.
December is a very comfortable month, weather wise here in Dubai so with the festive events and decorations around, it’s a great opportunity to roam around the city to see the lights in our light jackets. Needless to say, Dubai is kind and generous to all faiths where locals (UAE residents) and other non-Christian friends nonchalantly greet us Christians “Merry Christmas!” instead of the ‘politically correct’, “Happy Holidays”. I love that.
When compared to Japan, Dubai has a much better edge to giving that Christmas feeling. The Catholic/Christian churches even hold a Christmas masses to celebrate.
The only downside? December 25 is a normal working day (we can always take a leave if we like), just like in Japan. Thankfully, December 25 falls on a Friday* this year so I’ll probably be staying home, watching Polar Express or opening the gifts with my daughter.
* Fridays are our normal day-off every week.
Finding Backroads 
I think the Mall of Emirates has the biggest tree.
PS: You take very nice pictures.
.-= nadia´s last blog ..Rainy Days and Sundays =-.
LikeLike
Happy Holidays (& Merry Christmas)!
.-= Kaleido´s last blog ..Rest In Peace, Senior =-.
LikeLike
I always love to hear how Christmas is celebrated around the world.
Christmas wishes to you and yours.
LikeLike
Happy Holidays!
My brother who is working in Abu Dahabi with his wife won’t be coming back home & yes, they have work in Christmas Day. But like last year, I think they will take a leave from work and celebrate the yuletide season with other Pinoys. 🙂
.-= Francesca Ivy´s last blog ..My 2010 Movie Line-Up – First Batch =-.
LikeLike
The Pictures are so pretty! Alot of people have their christmas lights up in the neighborhood, I love it! My sister wanted to compete with my aunt and uncle next door but I dont have the mney to invest into that tpe of stuff right now not including how much the electric bill go up! I will sit on my couch and admire the eghbors through the window! lol
Happy Holidays!
LikeLike
Aw, well at least you get to enjoy Christmas like everyone else! Very opportune that it’s on a Friday when you have your day off 🙂
.-= Kayla´s last blog ..Let Inspiration In-Gemstones and Wire =-.
LikeLike
The topmost photo reminds me of Christmas back home, many years ago when we’re all still together……
.-= rose´s last blog ..traffic last night almost killed me =-.
LikeLike
I have a friend who works in Dubai. We keep ourselves connected through facebook and I see that Christmas is as much a big thing there as it is in ours.
.-= Jenny M.´s last blog ..Flower Shops That Deliver =-.
LikeLike
That is so nice! I just really got warm and fuzzy. 🙂
.-= sheila´s last blog ..Real life grinches suck. =-.
LikeLike
I love Polar Express at Christmas. Have a great time in sunny Dubai!
Plum
Don’t Be a Plum
LikeLike
Ah Dubai, such a gorgeous and wonderful place. should be on everyone’s top travel list. You have a lovely blog. thanks.
Just in case your expats get homesick for New York City we have a post about the 55 best places to view the NYC Christmas Lights.
.-= Christmas Lighting NYC´s last blog ..Eating NYC =-.
LikeLike
Xmas will never be the same in Dubai but it is still something to be thankful about getting to celebrate this holiday tradition.
.-= Alarm´s last blog ..Alarm business has 11 years in Los Banos =-.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for always giving us an insight into Dubai’s Christmas practices. I love how you always give us lessons on other cultures with gorgeous photographs. I think the UAE has it right with the way they accept the expats into their society – not like the USA, who tries to be so politically correct, and ends up excluding everyone.
Thanks so much for being you and so wonderful!
.-= Lorie Shewbridge´s last blog ..Cartoon of the Day: Parents, Be Specific =-.
LikeLike
my name is rinoj thomas working in dubai
LikeLike
Take a flight to Dubai and spend a memorable Christmas Eve this year at an Arabian paradise with your loved ones along.
LikeLike