With the city already soaked in a festive mood on Christmas and with New Year around the corner Khaleej Times captures the mood of the city that houses over 200 nationalities.

Just out of college Martina Iannilli is visiting Dubai from Rome with her mother Antonella Rossi. They're in Dubai for a vacation to spend Christmas and to possibly find a job for a few months in the hospitality sector so to experience the good life in this part of the Middle East. "And I can improve my English" she says. "On Christmas we're going to see the mosque in Abu Dhabi and in the evening we'll be at Nassimi Beach and dinner at Atlantis."

Jayson Dimawala has been in Dubai a year. This is his first Christmas away from home. Jayson works as a cleaner and he says " I will spend Christmas working. In our accomodation after the shift with other colleagues we will do something - singing dancing like that." What about New Year? "We will make a plan" he says "to go see the fireworks near Burj Khalifa if possible."

Anne Hazel Fabian is not yet sure about her Christmas plan. She's been here for eight months now and says her plan depends on her husband's work shift. "He works on a boat. And Christmas and New Year is a busy time for him." Anne says she misses her children who are back in the Philippines with her parents. She's mother to two boys aged 14 and 5. " I really miss them. I Skype on Fridays. Maybe on Christmas we will Skype with them. Maybe my sister in law will cook. Or we will go out for pizza."

"I don't know about fireworks. My husband will get not get off before 11-12 at night. After he comes back from the boat maybe we can go."

Sri Lankan national Achala Kumari Dissnayaka is visiting her daughter from Colombo. She feels Christmas is celebrated more in Dubai than in Sri Lanka where she says "lots of Buddhists stay." Achala has grand cooking plans for Christmas. "I will make a special kale salad with cucumber salad and some other greens for my daughter and I. And of course I will bake a fruit cake" she smiles pleased with having shared her intentions.

WINTER MERRY MAKING AT MALLS The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Ice Rink will be home to an ice skating extravaganza in celebration of the season. Elementis is a breathtaking new ice dance performance based on the four elements: Fire earth water and air. The show will also include an LED acrobatic performance and nine solo performances - all directed by head coach Crystal Hancy.

Dubai Marina Mall

The mall's Christmas/winter market will continue throughout the festive period. The market has a wide array of gifts and edible treats. The market is open from Saturday to Wednesday 10am-10pm; and Thursday-Friday 10am-12am.

Ski Dubai

Father Christmas will be in residence in the snow park every day and kids can share their 'wish list' and have pictures taken. Snow park access is Dh130 for adults and Dh120 for kids.

Wafi Christmas Village

The yuletide bazaar has 20 vendors who have set up themed stalls while the raffles stands serve seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts turkey nuggets minced pies hot chocolate and mulled grape treats. Also drop in to say hello Father Christmas. It costs Dh55 per child.

Madinat Jumeirah

Souk Festive Market activities include a North Pole train an ice rink Santa's Grotto and bungee jumping. Adults and children can also take part in cooking classes with Lindt Master Chocolatier till December 24. Entry is free.

Manika Dhama a freelance writer in Dubai says she her daughter Aariana and husband will "probably head to the beach on Christmas..." and "Of course we will go to Burj Khalifa on New Year's eve in the metro to watch the fireworks". Her parents will return home to India for Christmas.

Emirati Mohammed Saeed bin Darwish said New Year celebrations do not belong to the local customs and traditions but most of the youth especially government employees will be on duty to steer the festivities and work for the convenience of the residents and visitors to the country who throng the UAE from different parts of the world.

" There are some people who take advantage of their vacation and travel with their family members on Milad Al Nabi and New year holidays and enjoy a good time wherever they go" he said.

Ahmed Anani Egyptian said he was staying with his friends and is very happy to watch Burj Khalifa from far away take pictures and see the fireworks.

" Hundreds of people will also gather at the Dubai Creek in front of the Dubai Municipality building to watch the spectacular view of the fireworks there" he said.

While some celebrate with shopping and eating out others meet up with friends and make new resolutions and wishes as they'll usher the new year.