Christmas spirit grips UAE

The Christmas tree put up at the Mall of the Emirates and the decorations surrounding it served as the perfect background for photo enthusiasts. — KT photo by Shihab

The festive spirit gripped the country on Wednesday, as people got together with loved ones on Christmas to pray for peace, harmony and prosperity in the coming year.

Several residents that Khaleej Times caught up with, especially children, said their wish to Santa is to end the suffering of children in Syria, Philippines, and other areas, where people are grappling with the aftermath of disasters — both natural and man made.

Eight-year-old Julian Duff, a British expatriate, said: “My mother said that we should always pray for people who are in need. So my wish to Santa is that children everywhere must be happy.”