As part of preventive measures against COVID-19, the usual celebrations for Christmas will not be taking place around the globe, not as big as people are used to anyway. As Churches remain closed, and with precautionary measures in mind, Al Fardan Exchange has decided to go ahead with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at one of its branches in Dubai, Hudaibah branch, followed by cake and chocolate distribution, with hopes to have a glimpse of the Christmas spirit.

The attendees included His Excellency Paul Raymund P. Cortes, Philippine’s Consul General to Dubai and Madame Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes, as well as the Chairman of Al Fardan Group, Mr. Fardan Hasan Al Fardan and other members of the Al Fardan Exchange management team.

The Chairman of Al Fardan Group, Mr. Fardan Hasan Al Fardan said: “I am extremely delighted to be here at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with the presence of His Excellency Paul Raymund P. Cortes, Philippine’s Consul General to Dubai as well as Madame Yasmin Cortes and all our Filipino brothers and sister residing in the UAE. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenging year that we have all faced, we are not able to celebrate our expression of faith like we used to, nonetheless, we at Al Fardan Exchange appreciate the Filipino community, as they have been a part of our Al Fardan family for many generations, thus the Lighting Ceremony taking place today.

Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience has instilled in us. That being said, we wish our Filipino community a healthy and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to better days ahead for all of us.”

Watch the lighting ceremony below: