Five reasons to spend Christmas in Dubai

Find out why Dubai is perfect for Christmas.

Fancy spending Christmas in the sun? A yuletide trip to Dubai combines toasty temperatures with a dose of Christmas sparkle and festive cheer. The millionaire’s playground recently won an award for the world’s best shoreline, so, it’s the perfect place to escape the cold weather and make some sandmen on the beach. Here’s why you should spend Christmas 2017 in the UAE…

SUN WITH A SPRINKLING OF SNOW

In the UK, Christmas weather is usually a nice festive grey and overcast sky. In Dubai, however, you can expect blissful hot weather and proper Christmas card snow scenes. During December, sunny days are practically guaranteed, and the temperature is nice and toasty without being too hot. And, if you fancy a dose of snow, head to Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates – an indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of snow and a pretty mountain-themed wintery setting. There’s even a Twin Track Bobsled run, a Snow Cavern and an Avalanche Café where you can grab a hot chocolate.

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY

Dubai happens to be four hours ahead of the UK, so you get to celebrate Christmas a bit earlier – excellent news for those who start the Crimbo countdown in January. Plus, if you carry on celebrating on UK time you’ll stretch the day out even further and have an excuse to keep the mulled wine coming.

A YULETIDE SHOPPING SPREE

Dubai’s biggest malls are given the full festive makeover with towering Christmas trees, sparkling decorations and impressive snow scenes. There’s literally nothing you can’t buy when shopping in Dubai, from fashion and designer bags to electronics and jewellery – so you can spoil yourself with a few presents from ‘Santa’. You’ll even find some of our good old UK brands like Marks & Spencer. The best news is, Dubai is tax free so you’ll save money on your shopping, too.

LUXURY HOTELS AND GOURMET BUFFETS

Christmas can be pretty stressful when you’re hosting and feeding what seems like 500 people. Why not treat yourself to a luxury hotel stay instead? Rather than spending most of your morning slaving over the stove, you can start the day with a relaxing spa treatment, and then tuck into an amazing gourmet buffet spread with endless flowing Champagne. Many of the hotels in Dubai are decked in Xmas decorations with huge trees and even winter wonderland scenes, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on that festive cheer. For an all out luxury stay, check into Atlantis, The Palm or Hilton Dubai Jumeirah.

NUMBER ONE FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE

Dubai is one of the best places in the world to ring in the New Year. You can take your pick from extravagant buffets, glam five-star hotel parties and fabulous fireworks displays, or all of the above of course. The biggest firework shows take place at the three most iconic landmarks, The Palm Jumeirah, The Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab, and best of all, you won’t need those extra layers when standing outside to watch.

Atlantis, The Palm hosts one of the biggest NYE parties, with a huge feast, free-flowing Champagne, decadent decorations and a massive fireworks display, so don’t miss out.

Fancy a glitz, glam and sun-soaked Christmas?

Browse our Dubai hotels for your 2017 trip and read all about where to spend New year's Eve.

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Author: Selina Akhtar

Last updated: 15.02.2017