Abu Dhabi embraces joys of Christmas as shopping season gets in full swing

Shopping centres are set for a deluge of visitors in the final two weeks before Christmas Day

Christmas shoppers at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. All photos by Victor Besa/The National

A festive scene at Christmas shoppers at The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi

Christmas shoppers at the Lulu Hypermarket, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre.

Christmas shoppers at the Lulu Hypermarket, Al Wahda Mall.

eye-catching seasonal decor at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Christmas shoppers at the Lulu Hypermarket, Madinat Zayed Shopping Cenre

Santa and his elves strictly maintain social distancing and always wear their face masks at The Winter Village, The Galleria Al Maryah Island.

Seasonal shoppers at the Lulu Hypermarket, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre

Santa Claus is coming to town very soon

Residents buy gifts for Christmas at Lulu Hypermarket, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre

Holiday bargains on offer at the Lulu Hypermarket, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre

Santa makes an appearance at Lulu Hypermarket, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre

Galleria Al Maryah Island is beautifully decked out for the festive season

Christmas shoppers at The Galleria Al Maryah Island.

Santa delights visitors at The Winter Village, The Galleria Al Maryah Island.

Spectacular Christmas decorations at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Matryoshka dolls for sale at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Christmas shoppers at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

The Galleria Al Maryah Island has been transformed into a winter wonderland

The Winter Village, in The Galleria Al Maryah Island, is the place to enjoy some Christmas cheer

Shoppers do some festive shopping at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Christmas shoppers at The Galleria Al Maryah Island during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Christmas shoppers at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Christmas shoppers at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Christmas decor at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Abu Dhabi as shoppers gear up for the festive season.

Malls across the capital are being transformed into a winter wonderland with just two weeks to go until Christmas Day is celebrated once more.

While 2020 has proven to be a challenging year for people across the globe due to the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is still plenty of Yuletide cheer on show as people look forward to 2021 with renewed hope.

The Galleria Al Maryah Island has undergone a dazzling Yuletide makeover to ensure all of its visitors get into the holiday spirit.

Santa also made his way to Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre as people packed the aisles in search of gifts for family and friends.