A desert of celebrations in the dunes of UAE: A country embracing different cultures and traditions, turning the magic desert oasis into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, where warm Emirati hospitality soothes the rich traditions of visitors. There are many things to do on Christmas in the UAE. We begin in Abu Dhabi, touring through the shining cities and peaceful emirates of this land, exploring alternative and festive approaches that this nation uses in welcoming Christmas magic and ushering in New Year’s spectacle.
Abu Dhabi
The City of Abu Dhabi brims with lively Christmas and New Year’s celebrations since December opens up the holiday season. Indeed, the vibrant taste of fun and excitement characterized this great city, wherein people from different parts of the world join and celebrate here together. Therefore, enjoy the atmosphere and feel that spirit during Christmas and New Year. Some things you can do to make the most of this holiday season, are mentioned in the following:
Visit Festive Displays
Christmas is the joyous and merry season, and the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi knows just how to bring it alive. The grand Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which the hotel hosts during Christmas in Abu Dhabi, presents itself as a spectacular event while its shopping malls and hotels stand majestically decorated for the season. The festive displays in the malls are so full of twinkling lights, colorful ornaments, and cheerful music that put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Enjoy Special Dining
Many hotels and restaurants in Abu Dhabi also make merry in the holiday season with such festive-themed events, brunches, and dinners. The decorations are ornate with colorful ornaments, and menus are also crafted to give the international crowd great culinary fare from all corners of the world.
Visit Yas Island
Yas Island is a destination in Abu Dhabi that has the appeal of beauty and entertaining activities for all ages. Among these are the most popular attractions found in the region: Ferrari World, Yas Water World, and Yas Marina Circuit. These venues host special events during the holiday seasons to celebrate Christmas and New Year, making it the perfect holiday destination for families and friends looking to enjoy a fun-filled vacation.
Attend church services.
Come and celebrate your festive Christmas at Christian churches in Abu Dhabi. The entire Christmas season would see you immersed in caroling sounds, twinkling lights, and warmth because of a community coming together to celebrate a memorable occasion in church. The church is the best place to spend Christmas.
Go Shopping
Abu Dhabi malls are very famous for their luxurious Christmas and New Year’s festival decor and attractive holiday package deals. It is a time for shopaholics to try some retail therapy and get wonderful discounts. It’s time for shopping and getting good discounts.
Have Cultural Events End
Abu Dhabi is a town that boasts its glorious cultural heritage, which can be seen in the various museums, art galleries, and cultural halls. These venues usually host seasonal exhibitions and events that catch a glimpse of the history, traditions, and art of the city. There are special exhibitions and events during the holiday season.
View Fireworks
Even the most spectacular fireworks of New Year’s Eve are hosted in Abu Dhabi. For this reason, the fireworks can be highly observed at places that lie along the Corniche as thousands of people gather together to view the colorful explosions in the night sky. Regardless of whether one is Abu Dhabi a tourist, it is almost impossible not to feel a touch of magic in the air on New Year’s Eve when fireworks shine on the night sky in Abu Dhabi.
Join New Year’s Eve Parties
Abu Dhabi is an excellent destination to celebrate the New Year. There are a lot of activities that happen over there on New Year’s Eve. You have wide options from hotels, clubs, and entertainment venues. Abu Dhabi offers extensive New Year’s Eve parties, concerts, and events in hotels, clubs, and entertainment venues. They throw grand parties and intimate small celebrations in the hotels and clubs.
Adventure Activities: Desert Safari
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find yourself in the desert with a thrilling desert safari in the surrounding deserts of Abu Dhabi. Most tour operators offer special packages for Christmas and New Year’s seasons, like camel riding, dune bashing, sand boarding, and enjoying a festive meal under the stars.
Relax at the Beach
Being one of the pristine cities in the UAE, Abu Dhabi has some spectacular beaches running along its coastline. These beaches can either be enjoyed as a perfect leisure day to engage in fun-filled water sports or a peaceful day to relax and unwind. Visited beaches are clean, with plenty of diverse activities to be enjoyed. Celebrate the New Year in Abu Dhabi in waters and sands ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics.
Fujairah
Fujairah is one of the United Arab Emirates’ emirates, offering an atmosphere more peaceful and nature-based than that in major cities such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Here are some things to do on Christmas and New Year in Fujairah:
Attend hotel events
Special Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners and events are hosted by the hotels and resorts in Fujairah. Enjoy the beautiful decorations which is specially designed to celebrate Christmas in UAE.
Chill by the beach
Fujairah has some really stunning beaches along its coastline. The beaches have just not lost their beauty, but the festive spirit added their own twist. Experience warm weather, glittering waters, and festive gaiety during holidays in Fujairah.
Visit Historical Places
History sites can also be visited, for example, Fujairah Fort and Al Bidya Mosque. They give the visitor an insight into the emirate’s rich heritage. You may visit the historical sites to attend festivals with family and friends.
Visit Wadi Adventures
Fujairah’s Cooler Winter is a great time to visit the rugged mountains and Wadis in an adventure tour. There are also other festive events and events held in the area for the true holiday spirit.
Dhow Cruise
Enjoy an all-romantic dinner while embracing the scintillating views of the Hajar Mountains. Dinner cruise with dinner is available and includes beautiful coastline views, embracing the scintillating views of the Hajar Mountains. Enjoy the New Year in UAE along with these breathtaking moments and create your unforgettable memories.
Enjoy Water Sports
Snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing are some of the most popular sports enjoyed during visits to Fujairah. The various gears can be availed to enjoy these along the coast.
If you would rather celebrate quietly, you can have a cozy meal at your accommodation, picnic at a park, or just chill and relax.
Visit the local markets.
Fujairah has local markets or souks where you can find some unique gifts or souvenirs. Explore the local crafts and the products that are available.
Planning for the Day Trip
The strategic location of Fujairah makes traveling day to neighboring emirates or attractions easy. There is Ras Al Khaimah, which you can visit, or the Musandam Peninsula.
Dubai
Dubai really takes part in extravagances and lively Christmas and New Year celebrations. The city will get out creating a festive atmosphere during this holiday season. Here are the best things to do in Dubai to make the most of Christmas and New Year is:
Iconic Christmas Decorations
Walk around the marvelous Christmas decorations of Dubai malls. The place has wonderful Christmas displays, like huge Christmas trees that are decorated and have lively lights.
Christmas Brunches and Dinners
The managers of hotels and restaurants plan Christmas brunches and dinners with international cuisines to indulge in a festively joined meal with friends and family members.
Dubai Winter Festival
One of the most popular attractions held every year is the Dubai Winter Festival, which features a Christmas market, live entertainment, and festive food, culminating in a Santa’s grotto. It is a great outing for all family members to celebrate Christmas in Dubai.
Enjoy Festive Events
While Dubai does host many Christmas-themed events that feature concerts, theatrical performances, and holiday-themed entertainment, one of the must-watch fireworks displays is along the Burj Khalifa.
The New Year’s Eve fireworks are quite spectacular in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. No more, no less, no other, as grand a celebration as this can be anywhere in Dubai when considered from different points in the city.
Attend New Year’s Eve Parties
Dubai is very full of pompous parties for the New Year’s Eve celebrations with regards to hotels, clubs, and some venues offering their theme parties with, in actuality, live music, DJs, or even entertainment.
Take a Dhow Cruise. For dinner, a dhow cruise along Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina can be booked along with the New Year’s Dubai package. The dinner is served onboard, along with live entertainment and seats in front of the stand for the fireworks.
Experience Global Village
Visit Global Village. This is an entertainment and cultural attraction in Dubai, which is a platform to see all cultures from various countries as exemplified by the food they prepare and the tradition they propagate. It is always colorful during the holiday season. Global Village is among the best places to celebrate Christmas in Dubai.
Relax on the Beach
The beaches of Dubai offer an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy every bit of the sun during the holiday season. Some beach clubs also hold New Year’s Eve parties.
Shop for souvenirs
Dubai is indeed a shoppers’ paradise, and the holiday season remains a time when special discounts are available in malls as well as markets. It is therefore a good time to buy souvenirs as well as gifts on New Year’s Eve.
Sharjah
The Sharjah is eagerly and humbly celebrating Christmas and the New Year. There are a lot of things to look forward to during the festival season. Here are the things to do on Christmas and New Year in Sharjah:
Visit Festive Displays
Christmas lights and decorations adorn some shopping malls and hotels in Sharjah. Al Qasba has festive decorations and events.
Attend church services.
If you are interested in the religious aspect of Christmas, you can join special Christmas Eve or Christmas Day church services that will be held in several churches in Sharjah.
Go for a Festive Feast
Christmas and New Year’s Eve provide great opportunities to feast on international and local delicacies at one of the numerous hotels and restaurants in Sharjah that will offer special meals.
Join community celebrations.
Sharjah is the residence of a community and community centers host Christmas and New Year celebrations. These events are mostly full of music and dancing with traditional food from almost every country in the world.
Watch Fireworks
Some hotels or venues will even display fireworks for New Year’s Eve. Witness the colorful explosions light up the night and get excited with the crowd. One thing that really makes spending the New Year in the UAE always a special experience with friends and family.
Souks and Markets
Sharjah has its traditional souks and markets where you can shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and traditional goods. Good place to find unique gifts.
Enjoy a quiet celebration.
If you would like, spend the evening with loved ones at home, enjoy dinner, or rest in a cozy, prepared setting.
With the twinkling lights and merry trills of Christmas carols filling the air and the skies erupting in a dazzling display of fireworks to light up the New Year, the United Arab Emirates proved to be more than just a desert landscape and modern city, where cultures mingle, traditions bloom, and the spirit of celebration has no limits. Whether you are in the heart of Dubai streets or along the shores of Fujairah beaches, the holiday season in the UAE is just manifesting unity in diversity. It comes as Christmas and New Year in UAE, when the end of the year promises a new beginning. It reminds us it makes no difference where one comes from, for the magic of the festivals can bring people together with joy and harmony.
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