UAE to mark Eid today, moon sighted in Saudi Arabia

Dubai - Shopping malls and mosques are decorated, while sweet shops are doing brisk business.

Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated in UAE on Friday, authorities have said.

The moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia confirmed sighting the moon, following which the announcement was made.

While most GCC countries will observe Eid on Friday, Oman said the occasion will be observed on Saturday as the Shawwal moon was not sighted.

Here's a look at how Dubai is preparing to celebrate the festival.

Modhesh World

9 July - 29 August, Dubai World Trade Centre Hall 1-8

Modhesh World will be the main destination to go to during the five days of Eid in Dubai festivities. Hosted by Modhesh, the ever-smiling mascot of Dubai, the themed family indoor edutainment destination will celebrate its biggest ever edition in its history, over an area of 34,000 sq. m at Dubai World Trade Centre and featuring the largest number of attractions at an indoor entertainment destination of its kind in the region. During Eid in Dubai, families and children can expect special stage shows and parades at Modhesh World. With its exciting theme, "Every step is a new adventure', families can enjoy numerous attractions including the Fly Jump, Mirror Maze, X-Rider, The Slide and Valkyrie, international characters and interactive learning opportunities for children.

Eid Fireworks

THE BEACH, Opposite JBR, 1st, 2nd, 3rd day of Eid

The Dubai night sky will come alive during the Eid festivities with some of the best pyrotechnics staged by world-renowned experts. A grand fireworks display will take place at THE BEACH, opposite JBR, commencing at 8:30pm during the three days of Eid.

Layali Dubai Concerts

19-20 July, Sheikh Rashid Hall - Dubai World Trade Centre

Renowned music artists from the Arab world will converge in Dubai this Eid, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy an amazing entertainment experience. Enjoy some of the lilting melodies of Arabia, and get a close glimpse of top Arabian entertainers, at the Layali Dubai concerts at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Rabeh Saqr and Balqees will perform on 19 July while Ahlam and Majid Muhandis will take to the stage on 20 July.

ALSO READ: RTA announces service timings during Eid Al Fitr

Daffy Duck & Taz in "What Stole My Chicken?" DSS World Premiere

First day of Eid - 26th July, Central Galleria, Mall of the Emirates

Show timing: 5:30pm 6:45pm and 8:00pm

A stage show specially produced and written for audiences in Dubai, featuring the famous characters from Looney Tunes. The mall will host three shows per day, each of 20 minutes duration, while there will be workshops with a Daffy Duck zone, a 'Chill out' area for watching Daffy cartoons, Daffy template colouring for the kids, Daffy beak & mask making, and more. Each show will be followed by a Meet and Greet session with one of the characters.

ALSO READ: Eid Al Fitr holidays announced for private, public sectors

Eid Toy Carnival

18 - 22 July, Participating stores

A new Eid in Dubai initiative, this promotion will create a festive ambience for children during the celebrations of "Eid in Dubai- Eid Al Fitr". The campaign will highlight the period of gifting with Eid decorations, promotions, offers, meet-and-greet sessions, give-aways, instant winnings and fun activities. Give your children an Eid to remember. Discover an awesome collection of toys and promotions from Hamleys, The Toy Store, Toys "R" Us and Kinokuniya.

ALSO READ: A roundup of top eateries to check out this Eid in UAE

Here's your foodie roundup of what's happening during the holidays around the UAE. Read here.

ALSO READ: Best hotel deals around the UAE this Eid Al Fitr

Senior Reporter David Light highlights some of the best hotel deals around the UAE for those who don't wish to venture too far this Eid Al Fitr. Read about them, here.

Circus Fiesta

1st day of Eid Al Fitr until 29 August, Mercato Mall

The Fiesta showcases daily, live circus shows featuring African Circus- 36 acrobats performing breathtaking feats; Color Circus- a comic version of the real deal; Kids European Circus- little performers from the circus school entertain with a dazzling act and mind-blowing choreography; Kids Circus Workshops- learn the ropes and get ready to see the act up and close like never before with Meet and Greet events, face painting and Acrobatics workshops; and Roaming artistes.

The Magical Box Ballerina

1st, 2nd and 3rd day of Eid Al Fitr, Ibn Battuta Mall

This spectacular show tells the story of how a soldier falls in love with a toy ballerina with the performance featuring professional Ballet Dancers, and other characters. Combining classical ballet techniques and adding a modern twist by using a contemporary choreography and music, creating this fusion of performances giving the guests an eye opening show to remember.

Children's Ballet Show from Russia

First day of Eid - 22 July, City Centre Deira

A highly talented group of children will provide a very special Eid treat for the mall visitors with a magnificent ballet performance. The group consists of members of the Musical and Choreographic Arts Centre, one of the most brilliant and gifted children's creative centres of St. Petersburg. Arts Center will present a new program, prepared especially for Dubai. It is filled with colorful costumes, amazing choreography and mesmerizing ballet variations.

Bavarian Show

• Dubai speaks: How will you celebrate Eid?