With Christmas in the air, expats share their plans

The CSI Malayalam Church Choir in Sharjah singing a carol during a concert held in the Sharjah Worship Centre last Thursday. — Supplied photos

The countdown to Christmas is in full swing and though many expatriates have headed home for the holidays, many have chosen to stay put and deck their halls with boughs of holly, desert-side this year.

From massive, bright trees in malls to colourful festive markets like Madinat Jumeirah, there has been no escaping the festive cheer in the UAE during the weeks leading up to December 25.

Speaking to those both home and away, Khaleej Times caught up with some UAE residents indulging in the desert Christmas spirit and finds out how they’ll be spending Christmas day.

“Christmas in Dubai is definitely different,” 27-year-old American expat, Robert Fiala told Khaleej Times. “Sun, sand and brunch. This will be my second Christmas in the UAE and although it’s not spent with my entire family, I am lucky enough to be able to spend the day with my brother and father.”

But with the malls sure to be buzzing and the roads chock-a-block with traffic, Fiala says the best way to spend the day is with a nice dinner at home. “Being at home is easy and enjoyable. I know there’s a lot of Christmas day brunches so you really can ‘pick your poison’, but I’ll be staying in this year.” With Christmas trees galore and tinsel hanging in nearly every shop window across Dubai, the festive cheer is certainly not lost on those spending Christmas away from their families.

Though UK-born Roopam Janda spent her first Christmas in the desert last year, this year she’s opted to fly back home, though says she will miss the heat.

“For my first Christmas here it was great to be able to eat turkey outside in the warmth. But this year I’ve decided to go back home and spend it with my family.” But with her mum now having to work on Christmas day, Janda says she hopes next year will be work-free for all the family.

“I’m hoping to get the family to come to Dubai for Christmas next year. Just before I left for the UK I went to the Madinat’s Festive Market and the Christmas Fair in Media City. Both were great and you really got into the festive spirit. I want my family to experience it here for a change.”

Whether celebrating with family or with friends, Dubai’s Christmas day calendar has an endless list of things to do from brunches to beach days or desert camping at sunset.

Preparing to celebrate her fourth Christmas here with her son and husband, Turkish expat, Ozge Bischof, says last year was her favourite one to date.

“Though I’ve had three Christmases in Dubai, my favourite place is definitely the island that we went to last year. I don’t know its name but it is close to Burj Khalifa.”

Bringing along their own food, drinks, chairs and blankets, she said one quote sums up her perfect festive setting, “Christmas with palm trees.”

Ringing in the New Year

Planning an early morning horse ride with friends on Christmas morning, marketing coordinator Karen Axworthy told Khaleej Times she’ll be following up with a festive brunch. “It’s all a bit last minute this year. We are still rounding up our friends who haven’t gone home, but one year we spent the day brunching at the Rixos Hotel in the sunshine, so maybe that again this year. Typical expat spontaneity.”

Originally from Wales in the UK, Axworthy says driving to work in the sunshine the week before Christmas blasting out the Christmas songs always feels strange, as she’s used to the colder climate back home.

“But I love the fact we can sit outside in the sunshine, near the beach with our Christmas crackers and Santa hats on, being festive.”

And though she’ll be skyping with family back home on December 25, the following week will be a totally different affair.

“I’ll be jetting off to Hong Kong to see in the New Year! Merry Christmas everyone.”

kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE