Thousands of faithful attended the evening and midnight mass at churches across the country on Thursday. In Dubai, Oud Metha Road along which St. Mary’s and other churches are located brimmed with people. Sharjah’s Yarmook area also witnessed huge crowds with Christmas carols and prayers filling church compounds.
In Dubai, Christmas lights and decorations at the Mall of the Emirates were a major pull while the tastefully decorated Christmas tree at Wafi Mall was an eye candy for mall visitors.
Hospitals and school children held celebrations of their own. On Christmas Day, Oasis Hospital in Al Ain held a live Christmas pageant featuring the “Wise Men Visit” complete with camels and hospital staff who rode them as the wise men.
The hospital has been celebrating this tradition for its staff and the local Christian community for the past
three years.
The Wise Men mounted their camels on hospital grounds, and made their way carrying treasure chests, to the parking area between the outpatient clinics, the mosque and the church.