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More than 18,000 worshippers register for Christmas Mass in Abu Dhabi amid strict precautions
Author: Ramola Talwar Badam
Publication Date: 24/12/2020
Source: The National
Thousands of worshippers are expected to visit churches in Abu Dhabi after registering for Christmas Mass.
There will be strict protocols in place to keep the congregations safe.
Even Santa Clause would need a visa and travel permit if he was a Palestinian
Author: Eman Abusidu
Publication Date: 24/12/2020
Source: MEMO
While Christians around the world celebrate the days of Christmas as a time of joy and spiritual renewal, the Israeli occupation makes them difficult for Palestinian Christians.
UAE leaders wish Christians across the world a Merry Christmas
Publication Date: 24/12/2020
Source: The National
The leaders of the UAE have each wished a Merry Christmas to Christians across the country and the rest of the world. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, delivered their festive greetings on Twitter on Christmas Eve.
Christian minorities celebrate Christmas across the Middle East, pandemic dampens spirit
Publication Date: 25/12/2020
Source: The Arab Weekly
Bethlehem on Thursday ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of joyous marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, but few people were there to greet them as the coronavirus pandemic and a strict lockdown dampened celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.
Christians in Saudi Arabia observe Christmas in new season of religious tolerance
Author: Rashid Hassan & Haifa Ak-Belahid
Publication Date: 24/12/2020
Source: Arab News
Christmas in Saudi Arabia this year feels different in a very remarkable way. Christmas trees and decorations are for sale at a gift shop in Riyadh. Scenes of people buying Santa Claus outfits, tinsel, baubles and other ornaments from the shop in the Saudi capital are an unmistakable sign of greater tolerance towards other religions and faiths.
Christians in Gaza celebrate gloomy Christmas this year
Author: Hana Salah
Publication Date: 22/12/2020
Source: Al-Monitor
Christians in the Gaza Strip will be celebrating Christmas at home this year in light of the lockdown and travel restrictions imposed to stem the skyrocketing number of coronavirus cases.
Covid-19 fails to dampen Yuletide spirit of Christians in Dubai
Author: James Jose
Publication Date: 24/12/2020
Source: Khaleej Times
For the large Christian community which calls the UAE, a ‘home’ away from home, it will be a strange Christmas this year due to Covid-19 pandemic. And while it is what it is, they are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, with hope and a prayer on their lips, for better days ahead.
Bahrain church project cements Gulf region’s reputation for religious tolerance
Author: Rawaa Talass
Publication Date: 23/12/2020
Source: Arab News
It all started when the monarch of Bahrain donated a plot of land to the kingdom’s Catholic community seven years ago. Officially taking matters a step further, in 2014 King Hamad Al-Khalifa met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, reassuring him of Bahrain’s commitment to coexistence and presenting him with a detailed three-foot-long model of a proposed cathedral and its surroundings.
