Once upon a time I lived in Dubai with my husband and teenage daughter. Dubai is Sheikh Maktoum's kingdom filled with magical architecture and exotic people far, far away from my home state of Colorado. I lived here four and a half years, and fell in love with this dynamic desert oasis! Surprisingly, the holiday season was celebrated in high style with glamorous garden parties, and Santa's at the malls! However, when Christmas fell during the month of Ramadan, out of respect for the local culture things toned down. Parties were moved inside and decorations weren't openly displayed.
The American Women's Association of Dubai, held an annual Christmas Home Tour. This much anticipated event raised merit based scholarship money, which was awarded to American students residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One year, I was the tour's event chairperson, and put my home on display along with five others. The tour was held on one special evening and open to Americans and their guests. On the night of the festive occasion, I had over 400 visitors tour my home. The following photos are from my villa.
From this view point you are in the foyer looking out the entry doors. The living room is the first arched doorway on the left, the dining room on the right, and stairs are directly behind. The entry glass was private, you could see out, but not in. I found the WELCOME entry mat at a local souk (old world market) trimmed in red and green that was perfect for the season. 
The Christmas Home Tour was a popular event. It supported a worthy cause, and made living overseas not feel so far away during the holidays. I brought my furniture when I moved so had my Christmas decorations with me. I begged and borrowed the rest, and bought a few things also. For the show I had seven trees set up in different themes.
Peacock plumes were readily available in Dubai, so I used them as a topper for this mirror. I tucked them behind the frame and fanned them out for a simple, but dramatic effect.
This view is looking out from the living room. On the table are the three wise men who followed the North Star to Bethlehem. Some believe they started their journey in Oman, which is the country below the UAE. Frankincense and myrrh comes from trees in Arabia and is sold in the local markets.
I saw a woman eat a piece of frankincense at a party thinking it was hard candy. From the look on her face I concluded it must be very bitter!
The living room was designed with a white and gold angel theme. I tucked white feathers into the tree branches and used a glittery crescent moon for the tree topper.
Wreaths were hung from the windows by ribbons, and topped with draped floral swags.
This cherub sitting in a cloud of feathers started life as a terracotta garden piece. He was transformed by a magical can of metallic gold spray paint!
Twinkling white fairy lights brings sparkle to the ficus tree.
Whimsical cherubs frolic on a cloud of white feathers.
Stars were hung on the glass block with care, and a little help from suction cup hooks!
Stacked decorative boxes from a souk were tied with a bow and streamers.
Crystal and gold pieces fill the display case.
Gold and Glitter!
This is a view into the dining room from the room we nicknamed, The Room Behind The Dining Room! The color scheme is green and burgundy. Velvet and plaid fabric covers the table and swags were created using gold bows.
A velvet stocking made by moi, is filled with poinsettias. It was attached to the back of the armchair with a large gold bow.
Ole Saint Nick was the honored guest at the dining table. He's surrounded with Christmas decorations, and glittered fruit in a bed of evergreen.
Stacked boxes and a miniature sleigh filled with Christmas poppers.
The columns were wrapped with bows and evergreen.
The Musical Tree graces this corner.
My motto; TIE A BOW ON IT!
This is a view looking into The Room Behind The Dining Room. The tree at the far end was called the Liberty Tree and decorated in a USA theme.
Liberty Tree
Standing in the front hallway looking up the oval staircase.
And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. The the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. Dr. Seuss
The Children's Tree was on top of the landing.
PEACE ON EARTH
