The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on as Dubai decks the malls in readiness for the holiday season. Shopping centres across the emirate are getting in the festive spirit as they prepare for a surge in visitors in the weeks to come. With little more than a month until the traditional celebration, yuletide cheer is already in good supply. There is, of course, no need to dream of a white Christmas at Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. A giant snowman and Christmas trees are on show at the entrance to the sprawling indoor ski resort. Dozens of people took a break from perusing the aisles to take part in a free high-intensity interval training session on the snow as part of Dubai Fitness Challenge. The Carrefour hypermarket at Ibn Battuta Mall has been transformed into a winter wonderland. The store is already akin to Santa's Grotto with an array of Christmas decorations and goods on display. This year's Christmas celebrations will be somewhat different to previous years as the world continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic. Although restrictions on air travel have eased in recent months, many expatriates will remain in the Emirates rather than travel to see family and friends in their home country. Those spending the holiday period in the UAE will not be short of opportunity to celebrate the festivities.
