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The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi has sent a warm Christmas greeting to hundreds of thousands of Christians in the Emirates.
In a post on social media he wished them well on the occasion.
Across the country, the faithful are attending mass and celebrating with family . Tens of thousands are estimated to have attended Christmas Eve services, including those at St Mary's in Dubai, the largest church in the Gulf.
“Sincere Christmas greetings to our Christian friends in the UAE and around the world,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote.
“We wish that peace, security, tolerance and goodness prevail worldwide.”
The President, Sheikh Khalifa, also sent a congratulatory Christmas message to Pope Francis, expressing best wishes for peace and tolerance around the world.
At St Mary's, in Bur Dubai's Oud Metha district, as many as 100,000 worshippers attended services over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The Filipino choir sang traditional Christmas songs on the last day of mass held at St Joseph's Cathedral in Mushrif. All photos by Khushnum Bhandari for The National
Filipino Catholics are able to introduce children to their national tradition - even when they are being brought up thousands of kilometres from their homeland.
Catholics took holy communion at the Simbang Gabi event at St Joseph's Cathedral.
Devotees listened intently during mass at St Joseph's Cathedral in Mushrif.
Devotees listened intently during mass at St Joseph's Cathedral in Mushrif.
Father Tory De Los Santos started Simbang Gabi at St Joseph's Cathedral in Mushrif a decade ago.
Adrian Amposta, one of the event organisers, said the event helped Filipinos maintain their traditions and prevented loneliness.
Paul Hinder, Catholic Bishop of Southern Arabia, led the service.
There were thousands of attendees - some of whom could not make it into the church grounds.
Attendees said they went to as many of the nine masses as possible, with regular attendance seen as an important display of faith.
Children received goody bags, sponsored by local businesses, at the end of proceedings.
Filipinos have fun at Simbang Gabi - but it also offers an important opportunity for reflection and religious observance.
Updated: December 25, 2019, 8:40 AM