Friday, Dec 09, 2016

Dubai: Santa Claus will enjoy an early Dubai layover to spend time with some of his favourite children as part of a special holiday gathering hosted by the American Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates.

Organisers of ‘Christmas in the Desert’ pledge the event will bring some holiday meaning to a time of year when many American expatriates long to celebrate Christmas at home with friends and family.

Gathering at a desert campsite with like-minded American expats may help take some of the edge off being half a world away from home in the days leading up to the annual holiday, said organisers.

“This event brings together the American business community and our local friends as we mark an important holiday celebration far from home, in the same spirit of festivity but with a unique local flavour not found anywhere else in the world,” said Bilal Sabouni, CEO of ABC Dubai.

As part of Santa’s rare desert appearance, the event will feature an array of familiar Christmas themes with a plethora of events for the entire family.

Sabouni said some of the highlights of the event on Saturday, December 10, from 2.30pm to 9.30pm will include a chance to snap a colourful desert sunset photo with a few Christmas elements thrown in for extra holiday cheer.

Families will also be treated to what organisers promise will be a “lavish buffet dinner in the beautiful setting of Santa’s Village, featuring none other than jolly Santa Claus from the North Pole, ready to welcome children with their wish lists …”

Throughout the day, families can take part in decorating and lighting Christmas trees, hum along during some Christmas carolling before boarding a few Christmas camels for a short ride through the dunes.

Getting there is easy.

Transportation in dune-friendly 4x4s will be provided for guests from the assembly point at American School of Dubai’s Gate 4 parking lot at 2.30pm.

Participants can decide whether to be taken directly to the event or take a small detour to enjoy an adventurous dune bashing route before visiting the campsite.

The event is open to ABC Dubai members as well as non-members but organisers are asking that anyone planning on attending should preregister at www.abcdubai.com.

For general enquiries and rates, call ABC Dubai at 043791414.

By Derek Baldwin Chief Reporter

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