• Christmas decorations in The Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Christmas decorations in The Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Inside Hamley's at The Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Inside Hamley's at The Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Decorations hang from the ceilings throughout The Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Decorations hang from the ceilings throughout The Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Festive baubles at The Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Festive baubles at The Dubai Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Inside The Dubai Mall at Christmas. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Inside The Dubai Mall at Christmas. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi has turned into a veritable winter wonderland. Victor Besa / The National
    The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi has turned into a veritable winter wonderland. Victor Besa / The National
  • A nutcracker at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National
    A nutcracker at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National
  • Gold baubles hang from the ceiling alongside Santa's sleigh at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National
    Gold baubles hang from the ceiling alongside Santa's sleigh at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National
  • Reflections at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Reflections at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A gold theme is seen at the Mall of the Emirates this year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A gold theme is seen at the Mall of the Emirates this year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Mall of the Emirates' Christmas tree. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Mall of the Emirates' Christmas tree. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Starry nights at Mall of the Emirates. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Starry nights at Mall of the Emirates. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A stunning Christmas tree sits in the lobby of Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A stunning Christmas tree sits in the lobby of Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The Christmas baubles at Emirates Palace. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Christmas baubles at Emirates Palace. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 10 DECEMBER 2019. Christmas decorations at the Emirates Palace. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: None. Section: National.
    ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 10 DECEMBER 2019. Christmas decorations at the Emirates Palace. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: None. Section: National.
  • The Christmas tree outside the festive market at Habtoor Palace in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Christmas tree outside the festive market at Habtoor Palace in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Real-life Santa at Times Square Centre, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Real-life Santa at Times Square Centre, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Inside Santa's Grotto at Times Square Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Inside Santa's Grotto at Times Square Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Santa's happy little helpers at Times Square Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Santa's happy little helpers at Times Square Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The reindeer have landed at Times Square Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The reindeer have landed at Times Square Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Jack Frost has also visited Times Square Centre this year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Jack Frost has also visited Times Square Centre this year. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Christmas tree at Times Square Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Christmas tree at Times Square Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Santa at Oasis Centre in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Santa at Oasis Centre in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Lifestyle

Dubai and Abu Dhabi's most impressive Christmas decorations: from The Dubai Mall to Emirates Palace

We take a tour of the UAE's top malls and hotels

Katy Gillett
Katy Gillett

December 19, 2019

  • English
  • Arabic

You don't have to look hard for a spot of Christmas spirit in the UAE. The country's hotels, malls and restaurants have been decked out for the festive season, complete with Santa's grottos, fabulous Christmas trees and even a few (faux) reindeer.

This week, The National's photographers have been busy documenting some of the most impressive decorations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Take a look in the gallery above to see our pick of the best. 

We went to The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, as well as Habtoor Palace Dubai, Times Square Centre and Oasis Centre. In Abu Dhabi, we ventured over to the ever-opulent Emirates Palace, plus The Galleria Al Maryah Island, which has been transformed into a veritable winter wonderland.

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Read more:

The UAE's best Christmas trees: from minimalist decor to symbols of tolerance

Dreaming of a green Christmas: how to have an eco-friendly festive season

Dine for under Dh400: 10 relaxed Christmas Day lunches to try in Dubai

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