ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan led national greetings to Christians Thursday, wishing believers “peace, joy, and harmony” as thousands attended holiday services across the Gulf state.
The public messages from the top leadership reinforce the Emirates’ long-running diplomatic push to position itself as a center for religious tolerance in the Middle East. Expatriates make up nearly 90 percent of the population; a significant portion is Catholic, Anglican, or Orthodox.
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Royal Greetings
Sheikh Mohamed, writing on the social media platform X, extended “warmest regards” to those observing the holiday.
“We extend our congratulations to the Christian brothers in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the world on the occasion of the glorious Christmas,” he wrote. “And on this blessed occasion, we look forward to the prevalence of values of peace, fraternity, and human coexistence, and to the strengthening of the values of mercy and love among all the peoples of the world.”
“May this day bring peace, joy, and harmony to you and your loved ones,” he wrote.
The message was matched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the country’s vice president and ruler of Dubai. He called for the “prevalence of values of peace, fraternity, and human coexistence.”
These are not empty diplomatic pleasantries.
Diplomatic Ties
They reflect a domestic reality where morning masses in Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi drew tens of thousands of worshippers, creating gridlock around major parish complexes. The government actively licenses these venues.
“We hope that compassion and love will continue to grow among all peoples,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid added.
The UAE maintains full diplomatic relations with the Vatican and hosts the Abrahamic Family House, a complex in Abu Dhabi housing a mosque, a church, and a synagogue.
Public sector offices remained open Thursday, as Christmas is not a statutory holiday, though most private firms granted Christian employees leave.
