Christmas is the most wonderful time of year (according to the song) and this is most certainly true when celebrating Christmas in Dubai.
While there’s definitely no chance of a white Christmas, at least not outside of the Mall of the Emirates Ski Dubai resort, there are many similarities to the traditional Western Christmas, and even a few surprising improvements.
Below you’ll find lot of information on Christmas, Christianity, celebrations, and religious co-existence in Dubai…
Christianity and Co-existence in Dubai
There are numerous misconceptions about the Arab world, especially linked to Christianity and religion, so first let’s set these straight.
Yes, Dubai is an Islamic kingdom where the local people are predominantly Muslim, but it also endorses religious tolerance.
This means that you’ll find churches holding Christian services over the Christmas season serving all denominations from Evangelical to Russian Orthodox.
It is also worth bearing in mind that out of a population of almost 3.5million, local Emiratis number around only 280,000.
The other 3.2 million people living and working in Dubai are predominantly Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino.
Christmas In Dubai
Christmas in Dubai isn’t the same as the stereotypical Western Christmas – for starters, it’s hot!
Temperatures in December generally sit around 21°-26°C during the day so you won’t need your Christmas jumper.
But even though it’s warm, it still looks Christmassy – especially in the malls, stores, and hotels.
Here you’ll find some truly exceptional Christmas trees (not real ones, due to the heat) which are beautifully adorned with everything from real emeralds and diamonds to tinsel and twinkly lights.
In fact, Dubai’s neighbouring Emirate, Abu Dhabi, commissioned the world’s most expensive Christmas tree a few ago which cost a staggering $11.4 million USD!
Shopping for Christmas presents is really easy in Dubai too, after all, Dubai hosts the world’s largest shopping mall, but there are also markets such as Bur Dubai Suk Market which has stalls selling everything from lamps to spices.
Once you’re all shopped-out you’ll still find plenty of Christmas themed events to keep you feeling festive.
You might pay a visit to Santa, make a gingerbread-house, enjoy a Christmas brunch, go to a pop-up festive market (or two), watch a tree-lighting ceremony, or take in a Christmas show.
There’s certainly plenty of festive choices to keep you busy over the festive season.
But no matter where you spend Christmas this year, make sure it is shared with loved ones.
Merry Christmas, from all of us at Creative Word!
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