UAE residents will experience winter weather this festive season, with rain expected across most of the emirates from Sunday.
Overcast skies with convective clouds will be accompanied by a significant fall in temperature, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said.
The centre warned of the occurrence of flash flooding in eastern region of the UAE following the expected rainfall, and is urging residents keep clear of areas where rainfall may accumulate and cause floods.
The damp weather is set to continue up to Tuesday, with light to moderate winds between 15 kph and 40 kph.
On Sunday, highs of 29ºC can be expected in Abu Dhabi while temperatures in Dubai will hit 27ºC. Lows of 20ºC for both cities are forecast in the evening.
On Monday, highs of 26ºC and 25ºC are expected in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively, while overnight temperatures will drop to 19ºC in both cities.
Glamorous displays have been put up across the emirates to mark the start of the festive season.
Restaurants have already prepared their Christmas brunch and dinner menus — complete with all the classic dishes that can be enjoyed amid a sea of lavish seasonal decor.
Abu Dhabi's largest Christmas tree, at Emirates Palace, has been decorated with gold, green, blue and bronze trinkets.
Santa and his helpers welcomed families who came to see the lights switched on last week.
In Dubai, Expo City also lit up its own Christmas tree at Al Wasl Plaza. The towering tree was adorned with gold and silver trinkets and decorative gift boxes.
Santa made an appearance at the event and was joined by Mrs Claus and a group of their helpers.
Celebrating Christmas in the UAE throughout the years: in pictures
-
John Jacobs celebrating Christmas in Sharjah at point from 1976 to 1983. Mr Jacobs, from the Netherlands, said he, along with his wife and three children, created a real christmas ambiance in their house. Photo: Truus Jacobs -
Christmas at the John Jacobs house, Sharjah, 1976 to 1983. Seen here is the family's nanny, Pathma, beside the tree. Photo: Truus Jacobs -
Michelle Brown and Mark Lloyd in 1987. The musical duo performed at the Dubai Hilton then. It was a time when hotels were starting to embrace the festive spirit. Photo: Michelle Brown -
Hilton’s brochure for Christmas in 1989. Photo: Michelle Brown -
Some of festive events at Hilton in 1989 including the tree-lighting ceremony. Photo: Michelle Brown -
Michelle Brown and Mark Lloyd taken in 1992. Photo: Michelle Brown -
A vehicle wrapped like a Christmas gift in front of Dubai's Burjuman shopping centre, in December 1996. Getty Images -
Christmas decorations at a mall in Dubai in December 2000. AFP -
A Christmas tree at the Mina A'Salam Hotel beside Dubai's Burj Al Arab Hotel in 2004. AFP -
Displays became more lavish as the years went by, such as this one in Dubai in 2006. AFP -
Christians have long been able to attend Christmas mass in the UAE, such as this one at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai, on December 25, 2007. AFP -
The Christmas tree at one of Dubai's main shopping malls on December 25, 2007. AFP -
Santa hats and camels on Jumeirah Beach in Dubai in 2013. Christopher Pike / The National -
A giant Santa Claus poster at Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai on December 25, 2018. AFP -
Visitors at Wafi Mall in Dubai on December 21, 2017. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Santa Claus makes an appearance at the Expo City Dubai Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in December 2022. Pawan Singh / The National
