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
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 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
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
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
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.
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
