Deck the malls: Christmas in Dubai
By Grace on Dec 18, 2007 in Only in Dubai
You wouldn’t think much would be happening, don’t you? Considering this is Dubai, situated in the Persian Gulf in the Middle East with Islam being the official religion, I could not blame anyone who’d think expats in Dubai would have the most sober Christmas.
But think again, this is Dubai, a city that break almost all Middle Eastern stereotypes. Dubai is also home to a massive population of Western expatriates so this means that Christmas is celebrated here as well. The shopping malls scream Christmas and my next door neighbor (a Muslim from Lebanon) is decking her halls with lots of Chrismassy stuff!
Deira City Center, a mall we frequent on weekends had a gigantic tree at the center.
… and three bears with their musical instruments, as if providing tune to the Christmas song in the background.
More of the malls dressed in Christmas next time! We’ll be having a 4-day work off starting today and will surely be rounding up some malls. Maybe if we get lucky, Pristine could sit on Santa’s lap. Santa’s Dubai post is currently at Ski Dubai (indoor ski resort) at the Mall of the Emirates.
That’s great - in the US they won’t put a tree for fear of “offending” and look - in Dubai there is a tree - and they don’t look worried that they might offend anyone.
Mom Not Mum’s last blog post..Thursday Thirteen #22
Mom Not Mum | Dec 18, 2007 | Reply
but for them, those are merely decorations and got nothing to do with them believing in Christ. there’s nothing deep in them. sadly.
nice shots!
rose’s last blog post..a prayer request
rose | Dec 18, 2007 | Reply
Wow! Malls here have Christmas decors too.
bing’s last blog post..wHaT KeEpS Me BuSy
bing | Dec 18, 2007 | Reply
very impressive decorations!
bongga kaayo!
shiera | Dec 18, 2007 | Reply
Very nice tree!
P and Santa - nice photo opportunity!
And you have decked your blog too! Very nice!
Charlotte (Charmed Life)’s last blog post..About Me, About Christmas
Charlotte (Charmed Life) | Dec 18, 2007 | Reply
Fun! Kind of like all the Christmas decorations in shops in Japan but then Christmas day is just a regular work day.
tanabata’s last blog post..My Year of Reading Dangerously
tanabata | Dec 18, 2007 | Reply
Proof positive that ANYTHING is possible. Dubai is a pretty unique city.
Desert Songbird’s last blog post..Manic Monday - Carol
Desert Songbird | Dec 18, 2007 | Reply
That is a beautiful tree — and your photo is gorgeous. Amazing about the indoor skiing?!
susiej | Dec 18, 2007 | Reply
Now how cool is that! In door skiing and everything. Wow - that’s what a lot of money and a willingness to sped it will do!
On a limb with Claudia’s last blog post..Post gym.
On a limb with Claudia | Dec 19, 2007 | Reply
Wow, really nice decorations!
And the bears are very funny.
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Marius Sescu | Dec 21, 2007 | Reply