UAE leaders send Christmas wishes to all

President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid hope for peace and happiness for those celebrating around the world

President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, have sent Christmas wishes of peace and happiness. Photo: Wam

The leaders of the UAE have sent their best wishes to all those celebrating Christmas on Sunday.

President Sheikh Mohamed wished peace and happiness to residents, their families and people worldwide on Twitter.

“Sincere best wishes to those celebrating Christmas, both in the UAE and around the world,” he said. “May the occasion be one of peace and happiness for you and your families.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also wished people well on Christmas.

"We wish a Merry Christmas to those celebrating around the world. May this holiday season bring to humanity all the goodness, mercy and love."

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, also sent his good wishes.

"From Dubai to the world, we wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays," he wrote on Twitter.

Worshippers attended Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services in churches across the country.

Thousands of worshippers attended midnight Mass services on Christmas Eve in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Services offered an opportunity to reflect on a challenging year, including the crisis in Ukraine.

There was reason to rejoice, however, as churches also marked the first Christmas without Covid-19 restrictions since 2020.

St Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi put on several extra services to meet demand. People turned out in force for the church's special outdoor midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

Thousands are heading to St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai on Sunday, which is hosting 10 services.

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