UAE resplendent in festive aura
GLITTERING CHRISTMAS TREES, SNAZZY LIGHTS BECKON AT STORES AND ATTRACTIONS
Glitz, glamour and razzmatazz is all around this Christmas. From Swarovski-decked Christmas trees, illuminating decor, festive food offerings and more, a spectacular array of installations and activities is heralding Christmas this year across the UAE.
Gulf News takes a tour of the UAE and finds amazing preparations underway for Christmas this year.
At the Mobility District in Expo City Dubai, the surreal water feature and Al Wasl Plaza has transformed the place into a magical winter wonderland. And, it will be the case until January 8 with festive decor, illuminations and celebrations setting the tone for Christmas. Traditional, chalet-styled Christmas markets, pine trees, fun fairground games and a letter-to-Santa station, all have come together for visitors to experience a great Christmas.
At the Winter City, there is a spectacular 16-metre tree lit up. The Winter City also features the second edition of Expo 2020s Mrs Claus Christmas show, which is on until December 29. Beside, there are adventure activities like ziplining lined up. Add in funfilled sessions of gingerbread making, wreath- and ornament-making workshops.
Madinat Jumeirah too is decked up for the festive season. It’s winter wonderland has been transformed into a festive market. Visitors will see a 36-foot Christmas tree at the entrance. There are a slew of festive activities too lined up for families, including bungee jumping, food stalls, shopping and gingerbread house decorating.
Jumeirah Al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah’s resort also has a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree set up. The Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf also have Christmas trees set up.
Malls bask in glow
Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, and Dubai Marina Mall are all ringing in the 2022 festive season with festive illuminations. The malls are decked in illuminative decor to spread the festive cheer. Visitors strolling through Dubai Mall will be led to festive decorations across the mall.
At Souk Al Bahar, visitors will see a glittering entryway brought to life by illuminated snowflakes, lights and more. Pedestrians and motorists passing through Downtown Dubai are in for a glittering sight with lit stars, ornaments, leaping reindeers, golden stags and sparkling dandelions, all adorning the streets just for Christmas.
Giant baubles
At Dubai Hills Mall, visitors will find right under the cluster of glimmering trees, a festive tree, giant baubles that double up as seating areas for visitors. Here, you can find seven-feet-tall reindeer decked up in golden lights welcoming people.
Dubai hotels are also geared up for the festive season. At the Ritz-Carlton DIFC, a spectacular Christmas tree decorated with over 800 Swarovski crystal ornaments welcomes you. A Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the hotel revealed the breathtaking tree, which also comes lit with decorations such as snowy branches, thanks to some glittering snow falling from the ceiling.
Mall of the Emirates is also spreading festive cheer with a glittering Christmas tree and festive decorations. The mall has transformed itself into a celebratory destination with seasonal collections, and a festive market with more than 15 vendors that will run until January 2.
At the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the main attraction for the Christmas season is the Gate Avenue Festival Village.
Santa meeting
Visitors get to meet Santa here with his festive crew. From gingerbread, cupcake and cookie decorations to getting creative with holiday card making, writing letters to Santa and getting Polaroid pictures snapped; there is lots of funfilled activities lined up for visitors at the Gate Avenue, Zone D!
In Abu Dhabi, the Fountains at Yas Mall beckon with a six-metre-tall Christmas tree decorated in red, gold and silver ornaments. Families visiting The Fountains are invited to rock around the Christmas tree with their little ones for the holiday season.
The Jumeirah in Saadiyat Island Resort is all decked up for Christmas too. From twinkling interiors, to a massive Christmas tree, the resort has put together a slew of festive celebrations for its visitors. A festive tree lighting ceremony that took place on December 11 revealed the glittering Christmas tree for its visitors.