Christmas markets and other public celebrations in several cities of Europe this year are being held in an atmosphere of increased tension. Armed guards welcome visitors, there are barricaded entrances and visible crowd controls remind everyone of the turmoil of the previous years and security threats. The United Arab Emirates, in its turn, provides a strikingly dissimilar December environment. Families go walking through the festive markets, the malls are shining with Christmas decorations, and people of all religions come together and enjoy their holidays without being afraid and intimidated. The stability in the UAE, the sense of community security, and coexistence culture make Christmas open, peaceful, and even happy. This contrast is used to point out how safety, trust, and harmony influence experiences in a holiday.
Christmas in Europe: Festive but Tense
Christmas markets are running under clearly apparent tight security in much of Europe. Barriers are used on entry points, heavy weapons are used by the police on patrol, and big markets ensure that traffic is well controlled. These actions are based on the experience of the previous attacks on large-scale events and the rise in the number of concerns regarding the unrest in large cities. As much as the markets are still laden with lights, decorations and seasonal gifts, the mood is more cautious. The families remark that the celebrations are always protective, the spirit of spontaneity is diminished due to the constant presence of the reminder of a possible attack. Increasing popular demonstrations and some disorder in the European cities have also added to this load of tension. Although the festivities are going on, the essence is tinged with a sense of vulnerability as experienced togetherly.
Christmas in the UAE: A Peaceful, Open Celebration for All
This is a radically different situation in the UAE. The celebration of Christmas is free to an extent of being held in the malls, community areas, winter markets and the town squares where all the families of all nationalities blend with each other. There is no fear and clearly no apparent pressure as children play, parents shop, and communities around Christmas trees and festival setups. The multicultural nature of the country consisting of hundreds of nationalities and various religions predisposes the natural environment of co-existence where Christmas is openly and warmly celebrated.
The UAE security is operating in the background. It is not threatening but preventive, which is based on trust between people and the government. Individuals feel secure and not being spied on. This balance provides an opportunity to have the festive spirit blossom without any kind of disturbance and helps people who live in the area to experience the holiday season in its true peace of mind. Most of the expatriates explain that Christmas in the UAE is safer and more accommodating than their own countries.
What Explains the Contrast?
As Europe still struggles with social tension, political protests, and past attack memories, the UAE can enjoy the advantages of high social stability and a community-oriented spirit. Respect rewarded by various cultures and religions allows the celebrations to be more peaceful.
Where European markets usually have to be subdued, UAE celebrations are not that closed and tense as the social background favors them. Both active and control-based security and tolerance culture make the public places inviting and not enclosed. Rather than lines or soldiers in the streets, there are warm welcomes, adornments, music and a common feeling of euphoria.
Christmas in the UAE is not only a holiday but the embodiment of how mutual understanding and respect among people, coexistence, and safety may make it a genuinely festive atmosphere
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