When Community Becomes the Experience: A Rotary Christmas in the UAE

By the time Santa walked into the room, the atmosphere had already done its work.

More than 160 Rotarians, Rotaractors, families, and children gathered for the UAE Association of Rotary Clubs’ Christmas celebration, joined by guests from across Europe, North America, India, Africa, and the Middle East. Different cultures, ages, and clubs shared the same space, with an ease that felt genuine rather than planned.

What made the evening stand out was how it came together. The night was organized by a cross-club, cross-generation team of Rotarians and Rotaractors, working side by side. There was live music, a DJ, games, laughter, and plenty of movement between tables and the dance floor. Children felt welcome. Adults relaxed. Conversations flowed without formality.

The success of the evening rested on many hands. Special thanks to PP Glenn Daniel, Walid Alawa, P. Mohamed Karam, Amir Kanaan, PDDG Tony Ebraheem,  Anjelaine the star, who truly shone throughout the evening, Kinda Ahmed, Muriel Cressot, Heba Yacout, Irene Wamakau, Dr. Nermine Raouf, VP Bassel Wahbi, AG Joe Heneni, PP Bob, Urs, Deepak, VP Rola Hamdan, Bashar Selo, PP. Yaseen Jafar, Albert, P. Fedreca, P. Khaled Diab, P. Zaal, P. Joe Halabi, P. Lina, P. Nadwa, P. Mohamed Arar, PP Sami Hadad, DDG Jocelyne and the amazing DJ Walid Khoury, who kept the room alive and moving all night.

A sincere thank you as well to the Founder and Chairman of Association, Mr. Ahmad Belselah, and to our Past District Governor Hussain Aljaziri, for their continued support of Rotary and Rotaract clubs across the UAE.

This was more than a Christmas dinner. It was a reminder of what Rotary looks like when collaboration is natural, leadership is shared, and people simply enjoy being together.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Ready to serve above self and continue the journey into 2026.