President Sheikh Mohamed sends warm Christmas wishes to UAE and global citizens

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also shares season's greetings

President Sheikh Mohamed wished everyone celebrating in the UAE and around the world a joyful and prosperous Christmas, urging harmony and goodwill during the festive season. Chris Whiteoak / The NatiShow more

President Sheikh Mohamed on Wednesday wished everyone celebrating in the UAE and around the world a happy Christmas.

Sheikh Mohamed delivered an optimistic message on social media on Christmas Day, where he called for people to find harmony and prosperity during the festive season.

The UAE leader's warm words of support came as tens of thousands of Christians flocked to churches all over the Emirates to take part in traditional Christmas services.

“I wish a blessed Christmas to all those celebrating in the UAE and around the world,” said Sheikh Mohamed.

“May the spirit of this season bring harmony, prosperity, and goodwill to you and your loved ones.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, shared similar sentiments on the occasion of the religious festival.

"Our congratulations to all celebrating the glorious Christmas holidays ... I wish you a happy New Year and may the world always be in peace and harmony and may everyone always enjoy goodness and prosperity," said Sheikh Mohammed.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also extended his congratulations to the millions marking Christmas around the globe.

"Warmest greetings from Dubai to everyone celebrating Christmas in the UAE and around the world," he posted on X. "Wishing all our communities Happy Holidays filled with peace, prosperity and harmony."

This year's festivities once more take place against the backdrop of deadly conflicts and humanitarian challenges facing the world.

Pope Francis has used his Christmas Day address to call for aid to be sent to Gaza, where he said the humanitarian situation is “extremely grave”.

The pontiff delivered his traditional Urbi et Orbi – to the city and world – message to a congregation at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, in which he called for peace in the Middle East.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the world a "Merry Christmas" in a message on X, expressing his desire that the "teachings of Lord Jesus Christ show everyone the path of peace and prosperity".

US President Joe Biden - who is marking his final weeks in office - simply said, "Merry Christmas, everyone", in a social media post accompanied by a picture of himself, joined by US first lady Jill Biden, in front of an illuminated Christmas tree.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to those working on Christmas day in his festive message, shared online.

"From my family to yours, I hope you have a very happy Christmas. Sending a special thank you to all those who are working over the Christmas period," he said.