Christmas is celebrated around the world as a religious and secular event - and it is no different in the Arab world.
Although a popular belief was that Christmas was a western celebration, the Arab region is the birthplace of Christianity, and many Arab countries celebrate the day.
How does Christmas look like in the Arab world?
Lebanon:
Around 45 per cent of the Lebanese population is of the Christian faith. When Christmas time comes, it’s normal to see both Christians and Muslims celebrating together. Houses, streets, malls, small and big shops are decorated on this festive occasion.
Palestinian territories:
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is the site of observance for three forms of Christianity.
Protestants and Catholics celebrate Christmas Eve on 24 December, Greek Orthodox, which constitutes the majority of Christians in Palestine celebrate on 6 January, and Armenian Orthodox people celebrate on 17 January.
Syria:
Seven years of bloody conflict haven't dampened Christmas celebrations in Syria.
The capital city of Damascus holds a Christmas carnival where families and crowds gather to dance, sing and observe the tallest Christmas tree in the country.
Jordan:
Jordan is predominantly a Muslim country with Christians making up only 6 per cent of the total population of 9.7 million people. Yet Christmas Day is recognised as a public holiday.
Iraq:
Iraqi people celebrate Christmas in a unique way. In 2008, Christmas became an official public holiday.
On Christmas Eve a special ceremony is held in the yards of Christian households where children read the story of the Nativity from the bible, while other family members hold lighted candles. Once the reading ends, families light a pile of dried thorns while signing a psalm.
Christian Iraqis believe that burning fire predicts the future in the upcoming year. When the fire burns out to ashes, the family members jump over the ashes three times and make a wish.
Egypt:
Egypt is home to the largest Christian community in the Arab region with over 10 million people observing the faith. Most Egyptian Christians are Coptic Orthodox who celebrate the birth of Jesus on 7 January.
Coptic Egyptians fast for 43 days before Christmas Day where they follow a strict vegan diet.
When the day arrives, the faithful hold a feast with many foods including meat, poultry and fish.
UAE:
Christmas decorations are evident in most malls and hotels across Dubai. The Dubai Mall in 2018 had the world's largest Christmas bauble ornament, measuring almost 7m in height, 5m in width and weighing more than 1100 kgs.
It was recognised with a Guinness World Record award.
