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Families in the UAE are all set to celebrate Eid Al Adha today, with the country creating an exciting line-up of festive experiences that residents and visitors can look forward to during a packed weekend.
Those who are not traveling out of the country this year said they are happy to spend some happy and festive moments with their loved ones over the long break.
This Eid Al Adha is a special one for Irum Siddiqui from India and family, as they have flown all the way from New Delhi, India, to Dubai to celebrate what she calls a “close-to-normal Eid” after years of subdued festivities due to the pandemic.
Siddiqui said this Eid was extra special “because this marks my return to the city after a long gap of five years and I cannot wait to offer my Eid prayers at the Eid Musallas with my family and friends. We left Dubai in 2017 with a heavy heart due to some personal reasons but not a day went by when I didn’t miss this beautiful city. I have been planning to visit my extended family and friends here for so long but due to Covid-related issues we were unable to. Seeing such a fantastic management of the pandemic here in the UAE, I couldn’t think of a better time to visit than on Eid.”
The last few days, Siddiqui says, have been full of action for her, thanks to the unbelievable sales and offers available in the city this Eid season.
“My suitcase is overflowing with Eid shopping. I got such great deals on the traditional wear I bought from Meena Bazar. And I love the energy in the air as I step out in the markets and malls that are buzzing with shoppers. Although Covid is still around, I feel so safe here in the UAE. The rules are strict and people can be seen abiding by them. That’s the way to go about it and it’s why I love the UAE so much - because it ensures whoever comes here is happy and safe. I love this country and honestly, I can’t wait to begin our Eid celebrations with my family and friends.”
Azerbaijan national Maryam Shirinova, who has five children, also has her plans in place. “First, we will all go to the mosque in the morning, as we do every year. Then my husband and I will hide gifts for all our children in the house. We’ll have a treasure hunt. We hide the gifts while the children wait outside the house.
“I am not cooking tomorrow, thanks to my kind husband, who has offered to take the entire family out for breakfast or brunch. Our Eid gift for the whole family is a trip to Italy and Turkey, which will happen later next month.”
Various locations across the country have announced a host of activities for Eid Al Adha, including fireworks. which will light up the UAE skyline. Many were seen busy over the last few days, making last-minute purchases with the various discounts on offer. Some families are turning the occasion into a culinary occasion, making the most of the wide range of cuisines available in the UAE.
“We are not going anywhere. We’ll be here in the UAE to celebrate Eid. As the Covid numbers have been rising, we are a little on guard. So, I’ve invited just a couple of close friends to celebrate Eid with us,” said UAE resident Iram Rizvi,
“Our Eid shopping is done. My children will be wearing traditional clothes. My son will wear kurta-pyjama and my daughter will wear salwar-kameez which she doesn’t normally wear, except for special occasions. My children have decided on a special menu and I am busy preparing typical Eid delicacies, like Biriyani, Sheer Khurma, kebabs and kofta. So, we are looking forward to the feast tomorrow.”
Bachelors, too, are looking forward to celebrating the festival and feel that, with rainy weather on the cards, destinations within the country are worth driving to.
M Kiwan, a young man in Dubai who has just recovered from Covid, said yesterday: “This is the last day of my Covid quarantine. So, tomorrow is a special day for two reasons. One, it is Eid. And two, my isolation period finally gets over. As it is raining in Al Ain, I intend to take a road trip there, maybe with one of my close friends. The place is known as the Garden City for its palm groves and natural springs, and I love going there. Besides, rain is a rare sight here. So, I want to maximise this opportunity. Rain and holidays are a perfect combination. I couldn’t ask for more. If we feel like it, we’ll check into a hotel or drive back to Dubai to celebrate with a bunch of friends here.”
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