UAE | Heritage and Culture
Eid in Dubai set to draw more tourists
Dubai government announces retail and entertainment initiative to celebrate Eid festivals.
- By Nadia Saleem, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:02 September 14, 2008
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
- Residents shopping ahead of Ramadan. Eid in Dubai will be an addition to the calendar of festive events hosted by Dubai throughout the year.
Dubai: The Dubai Government on Saturday announced a new retail and entertainment initiative 'Eid in Dubai', to celebrate two major Islamic festivals - Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha - which officials say, will fill a much needed gap between its two mega retail offerings - Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).
Due to a 11-day gap between the solar and lunar calendars, the Islamic festivals advance by 11 days per year, thus creating a 36-year cycle when the Muslim festivals repeat their dates with those of the solar or Gregorian calendar.
By next year, Ramadan activities will begin to merge with DSS, creating nearly six months gap with the DSF - that needed to be filled. Analysts say, Eid festivals provide the right kind of opportunities for Dubai to beef up its retail and tourism offerings.
The move also comes at the backdrop of the worst summer occupancy witnessed by Dubai's hotels in six years.
"Eid in Dubai will be another bond that brings people in Dubai together amidst true Islamic values and traditions while celebrating both Eids," Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of Dubai Shopping Festival Office, said in a statement.
How will this new initiative enhance Dubai's position as a leader in the tourism industry? Do you expect exciting retail offers during this time? Do you think the festival will be at par with the Dubai Shopping Festival? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
Your comments
For my opinion, since I've been living here for almost 4 years,there is not much difference in the retail offers either Eid,festivals or normal day living. The scheme may only be effective for the tourist but not for the expats like me.
As the saying goes...I LOVE DUBAI, DUBAI LOVE ME!!!
Loida
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 14, 2008, 10:04
More from UAE Heritage & Culture
More from UAE
Latest news
- Tracks to be laid on recycled material
- Golden Hour crucial to a patient's survival
- Opening show worthy of UAE
- Sun is shining on prospects for solar power
- Artists focus on craftsmanship
- World leaders committed to supporting civilians
- Schools open a new page in teaching English
- Special parking to help disabled tourists
- Helping hand surgeons have long sought
- Blind woman lights up corridors of power
- In Mind
- At times, I think of committing suicide
- Designer of a creative haven
- Fund to help Dubai taxi drivers' families
- New life-saving fleet of vehicles
Community Reports
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
-
Supporting the needy with food supplies
Group of families engaged in serving isolated labour community hopes to motivate more people to help underprivileged and hungry
-
Leukaemia boy granted wish to meet footballer
Emirati meets hero Al Qahtani, Al Ain team
