Where to celebrate Orthodox Christmas in Dubai
Many Orthodox Christians annually celebrate Christmas Day on 7 January. Here is where you can enjoy the festivities in Dubai this year.
Orthodox Christmas is a holiday celebrated by approximately 260 million people worldwide, including in Eastern European countries with majority-Orthodox populations such as Greece, as well as in communities in Ethiopia and Egypt.
Food plays a central role in Orthodox Christmas celebrations, and the specific traditions vary by region. In Russia, kutya, a wheat and rice porridge, is typically consumed on Christmas Eve. Whilst Coptic Christians in Egypt break their fast with fattah, a dish made of bread, rice, and meat, and the Ethiopian Orthodox eat wat, a stew that often includes chicken and 12 eggs. In Dubai these are the best places to celebrate.
Atlantis, The Palm
The FACT Award-winning Saffron at Atlantis, The Palm invites guests to enjoy a contemporary Orthodox Christmas celebration. Expect a lavish spread of fresh seafood and a range of Russian delicacies, including buckwheat with mushrooms, cabbage pie, beef cutlets, pasta with minced beef, and pelmeni dumplings. With a fun atmosphere and entertainment including a live DJ and an appearance from Ded Moroz (Father Frost) and Snegurochka (the snow maiden). Friday 6 January, from 6pm to 10:30pm and Saturday 7 January, from 7pm to 10:30pm. Price: AED 255 (food only).
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com or call 04 426 2626 for reservations and more information.
Ergo
Ergo continues the festive celebrations into the New Year with an Orthodox Christmas promotion. Guests can soak in the views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa while enjoying smoked oysters, foie gras terrine, roasted rack of lamb, pan-seared duck and a selection of festive desserts. The venue will showcase a musical vibe that honours Ergo’s music policy – if it’s good, it will get played. Available daily until 15 January. AED 450 per person (one starter, one main, one dessert and half a bottle of grape).
GO: Visit https://ergodubai.com for reservations and more information.
Grand Millennium Dubai, Barsha Heights
The Atrium aims to impress guests with an extensive selection of Eastern Christmas dishes, including Borscht Russian Soup, Pan-fried Mediterranean Sea Bass, Vegetable Ratatouille and Russian Chicken Pie,. There will also be a live carving station. In addition, this family-friendly venue will offer a range of exciting activities for kids, including a play area and a visit from Santa Claus, who will be distributing gifts. Saturday 7 January, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 225 (soft beverages), AED 325 (house beverages).
GO: Call 04 429 9999 for reservations and more information.
Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection
In celebration of Orthodox Christmas, Habtoor Grand Resort has curated a decadent menu that features an array of sumptuous festive dishes and a delicious carvery. Saturday 7 January, from 12:30pm to 4pm AED 250 (soft beverages) and AED 350 (house beverages).
GO: Call 04 399 5000 for reservations and more information.
Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai
Feel the festive spirit at The Oasis outdoor terrace overlooking Burj Khalifa and indulge in a sumptuous buffet including Russian delights such as salmon pie, beef stroganoff, and devilled eggs. The Orthodox Christmas brunch will also feature Middle Eastern hot and cold mezze, international cuisine, live BBQ stations, and a surprise visit from Santa. Saturday 7 January, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 169 (soft beverages).
GO: Email hotel.dubai.downtown@movenpick.com or call 050 594 1579 for reservations and more information.
