I spent Christmas in Dubai, on my way to meet the rest of the family in Singapore, on a trip that would bring us back to Indonesia. I had not returned to Indonesia since leaving in 1997.

Dubai, one of the United Arab Emirates, seems able to understand the commercial possibilities of the Christmas holiday.

Christmas decorations at Deira City Centre Mall. This mall is near the top of my list for Dubai shopping because of Carrefour and its convenient access from the Metro.

There is no manger scene to be found but gifts under a non-deciduous tree is an acceptable concept