Christmas in the UAE: Beaches, cafes and malls … a far cry from the snow at home

There are few places in the world where Santa hats and camels go together, but Jumeirah Beach in Dubai is one of them. Christopher Pike / The National

Plenty of sunshine, an expansive coastline and open malls – what’s not to love about being in the UAE for Christmas?

For many Christian expatriates, the answer is often the distance between themselves and their relatives.

But for others, the trade-off was worth it as they strolled along the country’s shores, dined at beachfront restaurants or spent the day shopping.

Olga Kuznetsova, from the Ukraine, said the warmer weather attracted her to Dubai for Christmas.

“I wanted a change from having Christmas in the cold so I booked myself a holiday to Dubai,” Ms Kuznetsova said.

“It’s been really nice and I’ve still felt Christmassy, even though I’m away from my family.

“It can get a little depressing in Kiev at this time of year although we do have lots of things going on.

“I haven’t felt like I’m missing out on anything by being here as there are plenty of places that are doing Christmas dinners and I also like the shopping here.”

At Abu Dhabi’s Corniche beach, several expats took advantage of the cool winds and warm sun to sprawl on the beach in relaxation or dip their toes in the cool water.

Croatian Hrvoje Cindric, 35, brought his family to the beach to teach his four-year-old son how to fly the bright kite he received as a gift from Santa Claus.

The afternoon winds were perfect and before long, father and son had their kite swooping high in the air under the late afternoon sun.

“That’s a Christmas present right there,” Mr Cindric said of the chance to spend Christmas in Abu Dhabi.

The family of four has lived in the capital for three years. “We’ve kind of got used to it right now.”

But the expatriate misses the opportunity to wrap up.

“I prefer to be cold at Christmas – I prefer cold with a chance of snow,” Mr Cindric said. “It’s way easier to eat more when you’re cold.”

Ben Williams, from the UK, enjoyed the sunshine at The Walk in Jumeirah Beach Residence with his wife Jessica and son Jack, 2.

The family have lived in Dubai for five years and spent last Christmas in the UK.

“I would much rather be in Dubai over Christmas these days,” Mr Williams said.

“I spoke with my family back in London on Tuesday and they were saying the weather there is pretty bad.

“The weather in the UAE is perfect now and we have gotten so used to sunshine that it was a bit of a shock when we went back last year.

“The UK is pretty gloomy this time of year and we’re trying to get our relatives to spend Christmas with us next year.”

Kelly Harris and her husband James, from New Zealand, decided to spend the afternoon shopping in Mall of the Emirates after having Christmas dinner with friends on The Palm.

“We’re planning to go to New Zealand in the New Year so decided now would be a good time to get some presents for relatives back home,” said Mrs Harris.

“I do miss my parents this time of year and it is a little strange that it’s just another day, whereas back home everything would be closed for the day.

“The good thing is that it stops you getting bored and you can do other things.”

Filipina Sharmane Alteza, 24, was having a tough time adjusting to being away from her family for the first time at Christmas. It was also the first time she had to work on Christmas Day.

“It’s hard to celebrate Christmas here because I’m far from my family,” said Ms Alteza, a saleswoman at the Vince Camuto store at Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall. “We really can’t feel like it’s Christmas.”

Farha Ballesca, captain waitress at Marina Mall’s Lips the Cafe, said working at least distracted her from feeling homesick while her family celebrated in her native Philippines.

“I don’t want to remember the sadness of being alone,” said Ms Ballesca, 29. “If I’m home alone, I’ll miss them more.

“Despite the fact we’re sad working on this day, it goes to them. I’m working for them.”