Eid Mubarak: Abu Dhabi dips into festive spirits

People greeting each other during celebration of Eid Al Fitr at the Shaikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, July 7,2016. Photo By Ryan Lim

'Eid Mubarak' was on the lips of everyone. Families getting together, exchanging gifts, gatherings at malls, parks and beaches were the order on Day Two of festive celebrations in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
"The first day of Eid was with the family, which is our traditional gathering and today, on the second day, we are out catching up with friends. We are hitting the road to Saadiyat beach," said Ahmad Al Ali, Emirati.
The second day of the festival saw a flurry of activity right from morning. Sizeable crowds were roaming inside and outside the Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas Mall, Al Wahda Mall and Marina Mall among others.
"For commoners like me, malls are the best and cheapest place to go for any festive occasion," said Salis Sani from Ghana, who is enjoying his time with friends at Marina Mall.
For Pakistani expat Shoaib Mohammad, the malls decked in sparkling lights and festive decorations along city streets made Abu Dhabi look 'magical'.
And for some others, the day was one of introspection. "Every evening we gather outside the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre to just relax. But today we are here trying to reflect upon the year so far," said another Pakistani, Kamran Khan, who was there with his friends.
Some of the small shops that have rolled out festive offers saw huge crowds. In some shops, people were seen waiting outside as the outlets were filled to capacity.
With tens of thousands flying out of the Capital, loads of cars were off the roads, and for those residing in the interiors, this presented an apt chance to explore the city.
"Yesterday, for the first time this year, I could actually enjoy a ride on Abu Dhabi City roads. Also, free parking and availability of space were the icing on the cake. My family has just joined me from Kerala and this is the best opportunity for them to catch the city in all its grandeur," said Akarsh Sadasivan, who stays in Shahama. He was part of the crowd strolling the Corniche Road.
Indian Media Abu Dhabi general secretary Muneer Pandiyala said such festivals offer an opportunity for friends, cutting across religions, to deepen their bond.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi