The leaders of the UAE have sent their best wishes to all those celebrating Christmas on Sunday.
President Sheikh Mohamed wished peace and happiness to residents, their families and people worldwide on Twitter.
“Sincere best wishes to those celebrating Christmas, both in the UAE and around the world,” he said. “May the occasion be one of peace and happiness for you and your families.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also wished people well on Christmas.
"We wish a Merry Christmas to those celebrating around the world. May this holiday season bring to humanity all the goodness, mercy and love."
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, also sent his good wishes.
"From Dubai to the world, we wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays," he wrote on Twitter.
Worshippers attended Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services in churches across the country.
Thousands of worshippers attended midnight Mass services on Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Services offered an opportunity to reflect on a challenging year, including the crisis in Ukraine.
There was reason to rejoice, however, as churches also marked the first Christmas without Covid-19 restrictions since 2020.
St Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi put on several extra services to meet demand. People turned out in force for the church's special outdoor midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
Thousands are heading to St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai on Sunday, which is hosting 10 services.
Dubai Christmas Day Mass — in pictures
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Hundreds attended Sunday's Christmas Mass at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National -
Rules about wearing face masks have been relaxed, but many opted to wear one during the service -
Sunday’s service was part of the first Christmas Day masses held in the UAE since Covid-related restrictions were removed -
People at the Christmas Mass at St Mary's Chruch in Dubai -
There are 10 services planned for Christmas Day at St Mary’s alone -
Christmas Mass at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai -
Michelle Rodrigues, left, attended the mass -
Christopher Fernandes, left, with his family after the Christmas Mass -
Christina Furlan after the service -
John Coutinho after the mass -
Jatin Singh after the mass -
The congregation mingled outside after the service to take selfies and chat with family and friends -
It was the first Christmas Mass in the UAE since Covid-19 began
