Most people associate Christmas with a big roast turkey dinner, piles of presents, a huge sparkling Christmas tree and the Winter cold. So when I told my friends and family that I was going to Abu Dhabi for Christmas, everyone asked: “isn’t it going to be really hot?”, “aren’t you worried it won’t feel like Christmas?”, “will you still eat a roast dinner?”, “won’t it be weird being on a beach on Christmas Day?”.
Yes, it wasn’t your average Christmas Day. But who said Christmas had to be spent looking out of the window at the rain, being curled up on the sofa after stuffing your face silly, when there are so many beautiful places to explore?
The UAE is an Islamic country, so I was quite shocked to see that the hotels were covered with beautiful Christmas decorations. Gorgeously decorated Christmas trees, huge gingerbread houses, and Santa and elves aplenty. The Christmas spirit was definitely in tow.
With a piña colada in hand and 25°C sun shining, it was definitely a Christmas with a difference. We woke up, had some champagne and opened our presents. Pretty normal so far. Then we went to breakfast and helped ourselves to endless amounts of food – eggs, bacon (veal, no pork in sight as UAE is a Muslim region), beans, hash browns, mushrooms, tomatoes, followed by crepes, pancakes and waffles, drowned in Nutella.
After stuffing ourselves silly we headed down to the pool and were greeted by Santa Claus! But instead of a sleigh, he was driving around the marina on a jet ski! He gave us some chocolates which soon melted in the sun, but it was a nice touch.
Relaxing by the pool all day, enjoying the sun and listening to the Christmas songs being played – it was a Christmas Day in paradise. With gloriously clear blue skies and scorching sun, it’s safe to say my Christmas jumper was definitely not used this year.
If you don’t fancy spending the festive period wrapped up in Christmas tree pyjamas desperately attempting to keep warm this year, Abu Dhabi Christmases are the perfect answer. It was an amazing end-of-year getaway and Abu Dhabi is a great place to escape Britain’s cold and miserable weather.
Unlike Britain, throughout the Christmas holiday business is as usual across the city, with shopping malls, bars and restaurants open all day long. So if you wanted to pop to the supermarket to pick up a turkey or you couldn’t fit your Dad’s presents in your luggage, you won’t have any problems in Abu Dhabi.
There’s also plenty to do, so if lounging by the pool isn’t your thing, don’t panic. The beautiful city is adorned with iconic skyscrapers, gourmet dining in unique locations and hotels that blend the modern city with Emirati culture. If you want to embrace Abu Dhabi’s rich culture, The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi’s very own Louvre or a desert safari are the perfect outings. If speed is your thing, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld or a sightseeing boat cruise might float your boat. Or if you prefer shopping, the Abu Dhabi Mall and the Marina Mall are worth exploring. The Emirates Palace is also definitely worth visiting. It is one of the most lavish, luxurious hotels in the world and with a variety of restaurants, The Emirates Palace is a great place for visitors to experience the finest flavours whilst soaking up the breath-taking views of the beautiful city.
Although I may have missed pigs in blankets, I had a fabulous holiday and a brilliant Christmas! Abu Dhabi really is a beautiful destination and is definitely worth a visit. Whether its camel riding or luxury dining that tickles your fancy, Abu Dhabi is truly extraordinary.
