Christmas in the UAE: Most impressive holiday decorations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

With Christmas just around the corner, the UAE is pulling out all the stops to spread festive cheer. From dazzling light displays to quirky trees and magical wonderlands, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are brimming with seasonal decorations.

So, if you’ve ticked off last-minute gift shopping and finished icing your gingerbread cookies, why not get into the holiday spirit by checking out some of the best Christmas displays in the UAE?

Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi

Snow Abu Dhabi and Winter Candyland at Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Prepare for a whimsical experience at Reem Mall’s Winter Candy Land. The star attraction? A 16-metre inverted Christmas tree. There are also plenty of photo opportunities, from festive elves to upside-down holiday scenes, making it the perfect destination to create unforgettable memories. The display will be on until December 29.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Christmas decor. Victor Besa / The National

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental has a dazzling holiday centrepiece – a Christmas tree uniquely crafted from round ornaments. The stunning display serves as the perfect backdrop for capturing special holiday moments, while its elegance reflects the festive sophistication the hotel is known for.

Bluewaters Island, Dubai

Christmas laser lights are this year's addtion to the decorations on Blue Water Island in Dubai. Photo: Blue Water

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, head to Bluewaters for a futuristic holiday spectacle that runs until January 11. Laser trees, 3D light installations and a vibrant laser wall have transformed the area into a high-tech wonderland. There will also be laser trees with vibrant beams of light creating festive reflections.

Global Village, Dubai

Christmas decoration at the Global Village in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Global Village's decorations include a towering Christmas tree adorned with candy canes, red stockings, fairy lights and baubles, all guarded by a gingerbread cookie fence.

Adding to the magic, the tree features colourful elves scaling its branches and ornaments that create a cosy holiday vibe. Around the tree, there are playful snowman cutouts and oversized candy props. Families can watch daily shows of Santa and the Elves, Christmas Clowns and Polar Bears and the Explorer until December 30.

The Springs, Dubai

A Christmas decoration outside the Springs neighbourhood in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Even residential neighbourhoods are joining in the festive cheer, with The Springs showcasing a unique take on the traditional Christmas tree. Crafted entirely from bright string LED lights, it's topped with a shining star, adding a modern take to an old favourite.

Expo City, Dubai

Winter City is back at Al Wasl Plaza, featuring its daily tree lighting ceremony until December 31. In addition to the dazzling tree, there's also a Santa’s Grotto, where children can visit Old Saint Nick and capture memorable photos. There's a Gingerbread show, while stilt walkers dressed as candy canes roam the plaza, bringing festive cheer to every corner.

Results

5pm: Reem Island – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Farasah, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi

5.30pm: Sir Baniyas Island – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: SSR Ghazwan, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Astral Del Sol, Sean Kirrane, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6.30pm: Al Maryah Island – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Toumadher, Dane O’Neill, Jaber Bittar

7pm: Yas Island – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Mukhrej, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Saadiyat Island – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,400m; Winner: Celestial Spheres, Gary Sanchez, Ismail Mohammed

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Meydan race card

6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m

RESULTS

5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: AF Seven Skies, Bernardo Pinheiro, Qais Aboud

6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: Almahroosa, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

6.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: AF Sumoud, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Adventurous, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

What are the influencer academy modules?

Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
Cinematography, shots and movement.
All aspects of post-production.
Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
Tourism industry knowledge.
Professional ethics.

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LA LIGA FIXTURES

Friday Athletic Bilbao v Celta Vigo (Kick-off midnight UAE)

Saturday Levante v Getafe (5pm), Sevilla v Real Madrid (7.15pm), Atletico Madrid v Real Valladolid (9.30pm), Cadiz v Barcelona (midnight)

Sunday Granada v Huesca (5pm), Osasuna v Real Betis (7.15pm), Villarreal v Elche (9.30pm), Alaves v Real Sociedad (midnight)

Monday Eibar v Valencia (midnight)

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Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.