Dubai: Eid Al Fitr is being celebrated with a host of activities from fireworks to concerts and retail deals.
Yet most of the residents contacted by Gulf News said the activities per se are not as important as connecting with family and friends.
A marked celebratory sense is palpable as Emiratis and expatriates indulge in various festivities with many taking the opportunity to bring together extended family and friends.
Sri Lankan resident from Sharjah Shah Hamid, who works in administration, said he is looking forward to the fireworks above Dubai Creek along Al Seef Street which carry on for three consecutive nights.
“My kids — two sons, aged ten and seven, are going to love it. The fireworks are always an exciting part of Eid celebrations. In Sharjah, the Al Majaz Waterfront has several activities as well so the family is going to be spending time there,” he said.
Dubai residents spoke of connecting with family and friends.
Iranian resident Nizam Aboonajmi, a marketing professional, said Eid is a time to bring families together.
“We visit more than ten families and family friends over Eid. This time is special to connect with extended family and bring the younger generation together. Apart from hosting lunches and dinners at home, we visit restaurants and take the kids to play areas.”
For long-term Indian expatriate Ummar Aliyar, who has lived in Dubai since 1977, Eid is the “ideal time” for family get-togethers. “We have family in Oman and Qatar and extended family in various emirates in the UAE. So during the Eid holidays we celebrate Eid together. At home, traditional lunches take place and in the evenings we go out as a family.”
Younger Emiratis, on the other hand, chose to celebrate Eid by meeting up with friends.
Saeed Al Muhairi, a foundation student said that he enjoys meeting up with friends in the evening. “We plan to go to the cinema and then head out to the mall for some shopping,” he said.
Another student Fahd Mohammad, said that Eid is a time to catch up with friends who live in other emirates. “My friends from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi are meeting up for a movie and then dinner. We may visit a mall as well,” he said.