New Year's Eve Celebration at Burj Khalifa

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Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world started it's spectacular fireworks display in the year 2010. And since then, people flock there to welcome new year and to view the awesome show. 

This is the video of the 2011 new year's eve, i'll post the 2012 a little while. 

For those in Dubai or other Emirate, it is suggested to be at Downtown Dubai before 10pm, expect traffic and parking shortage. But those are just little inconveniences in exchange for free out of this world experience.

Christmas Decors in Dubai

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You really cannot see any Christmas decorations on the streets of Dubai but some malls and restaurants have theirs.

Let's take a look on some of the places I spotted with a Christmas Tree or other decors.

St. Mary's Church, Oud Metha

Diera City Center

Al Ghurair Mall

Nando's, Al Ghurair Mall

La Mesa Restaurant, Asiana Hotel

Whether there are a lot or few Christmas decors, Christmas is still very much celebrated here in Dubai.

Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah

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This is the Arabic greeting for Merry Christmas.

As I've mentioned before Dubai or the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim / Arabic Country but is open to other cultures and religion. They do not of course celebrate Christmas and thus Christmas is a regular day here. It depends on the company if they will give additional holiday for their Christian employees, which most do so. My company allows their Christian employees to have their Christmas Day leave but on the condition that it will not affect the operations for the day. Unfortunately, I was left in our department since my colleague went on vacation. So I am here blogging in the office, boohoo! My first time working on a Christmas Day!

But it's not bad at all, I am still grateful for my job and the company that recognizes my efforts and pays my bills. Back to work.

Again Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah (Merry Christmas) and Kul 'am wa antum bikhair (Happy New Year)!

St Mary's Catholic Church at Oud Metha Dubai

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Today marks the Feast of Immaculate Conception, Catholics celebrates the belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is celebrated on 8 December, nine months before the Nativity of Mary, which is celebrated on 8 September. 

From St. Mary's website:

The Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin in the first instant of her conception in the womb of her mother. This was a singular privilege and grace of God, granted in view of the merits of Jesus Christ. By her conception is meant not the act or part of her parents in it, nor the formation of her body, nor the conception of Christ later in her own womb; from the moment her soul was created and infused into her body, it was free from original sin and filled with sanctifying grace. Her soul was never stained by original sin, nor by the depraved emotions, passions, and weaknesses consequent on that sin, but created in a state of original sanctity, innocence, and justice. She had at least the graces of the first Eve before the Fall and more. This privilege was befitting the one who was to be mother of the Redeemer.

Even though UAE is a Muslim country, diversity is exercised and respected here including religion. Thus we have 2 Catholic Churches in Dubai, one is in Oud Metha and another in Jebel Ali. 

Here are the Mass Timings

Pictures of St. Mary's Catholic Church

UAE Celebrates 40th National Day

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Dec 2 is the official UAE National Day but the government announced that it would be celebrated from Dec 1 to 3 (since 2 and 3 fell on Friday and Saturday which is the usual rest day here). 

This marks the 40th year after the union of 7 emirates or shiekhdoms formally joined as United Arab Emirates. The picture above shows the rulers of the 7 emirates.

A lot of programs are lined up for the said festivity. Even on the streets you can see their love and pride for their country as they put large flags, pictures, balloons, lights, etc on the buildings, highways, cars and almost everywhere is colored red, green, white and black.