Dubai transforms every holiday into something special, and Christmas is no exception. In a city known for its cultural diversity, young Christians are shaping unique traditions far from their home countries.
For many, Christmas here is about faith, reflection, and the sense of community that the holiday fosters.
Finding Peace in Faith
Churches serve as sanctuaries of peace during the festive season. For 23-year-old Marisa Kazwey from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dubai offers an open space to express her faith. “In December, God feels normal and accepted,” she shares, adding that churches bring people together under a shared belief.
Sri Lankan Joy Reinhart Prabagar, 27, echoes this sentiment, saying his church group has strengthened his friendships and given him a safe space to share spiritual struggles. Similarly, Michelle Amar, 23, from Pakistan, finds solace in St. Mary’s Church, where strangers feel like family through shared prayers and worship.
A Celebration of Cultural Diversity
For many expatriates, Dubai’s multicultural environment has transformed traditional Christmas celebrations. Kazwey reflects on how diverse gatherings enrich the holiday: “Everyone brings something unique, but we’re all celebrating the same thing.”
Her childhood in the DRC was filled with family prayers and festive meals. In Dubai, however, she has found peace in worship with a younger Christian community.
Pakistani traditions have also evolved for Amar. “In Pakistan, we attended midnight mass and celebrated with family. Now, our dinner table includes dishes like Mandi alongside my dad’s hunter beef, and our guest list includes friends from various backgrounds,” she shares.
British expat Tosin Akinyemi, 22, highlights how Dubai has broadened her Christmas experience. Moving to the UAE at 16, she found a new family within her church, which now plays a central role in her celebrations. “It’s a more selfless Christmas now, shared with my church family,” she says.
Prayers for Peace
For many, Christmas in Dubai is also a time of reflection and prayer for those in need. Amar describes the heartfelt prayers at St. Mary’s Church for peace, particularly for Gaza, and donations collected to support struggling communities.
Prabagar, drawing from his experiences with Sri Lanka’s civil war, emphasizes the importance of global peace. “We pray not just on Christmas but all year for those in hardship,” he says, noting that many churches collect items like food and clothing to support those in need.
Faith and Spiritual Growth
For some, finding a Christian community in Dubai has been transformative. Kazwey recalls feeling inspired by her Muslim friends’ shared prayers and longing for similar fellowship. Her prayers were answered when she joined a Bible study group in 2023, which has since become a source of mentorship and accountability.
Akinyemi also values the friendships she’s built at her church. “Christ is at the center of everything now,” she explains, adding that her faith inspires her to serve others. “Every week, I serve tea and coffee after church—it’s become a natural extension of my faith.”
A New Perspective on Christmas
As these young Christians reflect on the holiday, they find deeper meaning in the season. Amar believes Christmas represents the start of the story of salvation. “The coming of Jesus shows us the path to follow,” she says. For her, faith is not about visible proof but about belief in the heart.
In Dubai, Christmas isn’t just about traditions it’s a celebration of unity, faith, and compassion, made richer by the city’s diversity.
