Dubai bucks church decline trend

From Premier-

A double ordination at a church in Dubai has highlighted how the oil-rich city is bucking a trend of congregation decline seen in other developed countries.

Two clergy members were welcomed into new ministry positions at Christ Church in Jebal Ali during a service also said to confirm "warm" ties between authorities and the Anglican Church.

Charlotte Lloyd-Evans and Hin Lai Ching were ordained as a deacon and a priest respectively, in the presence of Minister of State for Tolerance, Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi.

Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf Rt Rev Michael Lewis told the Anglican Communion News Service the presence of Sheikha Lubna "is further evidence of, the warm relationship and mutual respect that exists between the authorities in the UAE and the Anglican church."

Church leaders say the growing clergy team at Christ Church reflects expansion of the Church throughout the oil-rich United Arab Emirates.

More here-

https://www.premier.org.uk/News/World/Dubai-bucks-church-decline-trend

Santa in shackles shocks Dubai

From the "You Can't Make This Stuff Up" Department (Dubai Division)

A distasteful and sickening campaign. That’s how many residents here described a Dubai hotel’s promotion showing jolly St Nick kidnapped and in chains.

The hotel running the campaign stated: “[We] kidnapped Santa and we ain’t letting him go... unless you make a festive booking soon, he’s not coming back.” A YouTube video which is part of the campaign shows ‘Saint Nick’ saying: “If they [hotel outlets] fill up on time, they say they’ll release me on the 24th… just think of all the kiddies and the grannies.”

The hotel also sent out ransom notes with Santa’s hat as proof they have him.

But Dubai residents are not amused. “Santa Claus is a universal icon representing Father Christmas to children in most parts of the world,” said a Mexican resident. “I think they ran out of ideas. It’s an unfortunate and offensive trick to grab attention.”

Mustafa Mahdi, head of publication relations at MasterMind Business Consultancy, said “It is very important to consider all factors that can impact the brand as a result of the publicity stunt, which can sometimes backfire.”

More here-

http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/xpress/santa-in-shackles-shocks-dubai-1.1121277