Key facts for United Arab Emirates
Christmas is widely visible in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but year-end gifts are usually framed as New Year or Season's Greetings.
How companies in United Arab Emirates give year-end gifts
The UAE has a large international business community, and year-end gifting is common among multinational companies, banks and consultancies, typically as 'Season's Greetings' or New Year gifts sent in December. Christmas decorations are widespread in hotels and malls, and Christmas greetings are acceptable to expatriate and international contacts. For local and Muslim partners, Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are the more significant moments, with premium hampers of dates, sweets, coffee and tea. UAE National Day on 2 December is another occasion for branded gifts. Presentation and quality matter; gifts are given with the right hand. Alcohol is legal only under licensing rules and should not be sent as a corporate gift or shipped by courier. Food gifts should be halal. Gifts to government employees are restricted, and many semi-government entities have gift policies.
Gift occasions in United Arab Emirates
Ramadan
Ramadan hampers and iftar gifts for clients and partners
Eid al-Fitr
main occasion for greetings and gifts to clients and staff
UAE National Day
public holiday; patriotic-themed corporate gifts
New Year / year-end
Season's Greetings gifts, mainly from international firms
Eid al-Adha
second major Islamic holiday
Good practice
- Frame December gifts as 'Season's Greetings' or New Year gifts.
- Plan Ramadan and Eid gifts for Muslim partners.
- Choose halal food and premium packaging.
- Give and receive with the right hand.
Avoid
- Do not send alcohol or pork-derived ingredients.
- Avoid gifts to government officials.
Design and wording
'Season's Greetings' is safest; Christmas themes are acceptable for international and expatriate teams.
Gift policies
UAE federal law criminalizes bribery of public officials, and government entities restrict employees from accepting gifts.
Delivery to United Arab Emirates
Ships from Poland by courier; customs duty (generally 5%) and 5% VAT may apply and are quoted in advance. Food may require registration for commercial import; alcohol cannot be shipped.
Planning dates for United Arab Emirates
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for United Arab Emirates
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Chocolate advent calendars
Twenty-four chocolates and your brand on the front from 1 to 24 December.
Beauty calendars
A beauty advent calendar is a premium December gift.
Empty calendar boxes
For companies that already have the filling: custom printed advent calendar boxes in bulk, designed around your products and delivered flat or…
Christmas plush
Plush is made in our own workshop in Biała Podlaska, Poland: ready Christmas teddies with your embroidered logo, and custom plush mascots based on…
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a holiday in the UAE?
No, 25 December is a working day, but Christmas is widely visible. 'Season's Greetings' gifts are common.
Can we send chocolate to the UAE?
Yes for gifts; choose halal chocolate. Duties and VAT may apply, and December is the coolest shipping period.
When are the main gifting occasions in the UAE?
Ramadan and Eid, UAE National Day (2 December) and year-end Season's Greetings.