Dubai: Festivity is in air as preparations for Eid celebrations are in full swing.
A heavy rush of customers can be witnessed in city markets of Bur Dubai, Deira and even shopping malls as people buy clothes, sweets and gifts for themselves and their loved ones.
Business this year, said traders, is better compared to last year.
“I started shopping last week and there is still a lot more I need to buy. We all got new clothes stitched and the tailor took three weeks to stitch, so there is long waiting period. Still, I am lucky as many of my friends who were late in giving their clothes are not able to get them on time. As the weekend starts, I hope to finish the remaining shopping today itself,” said Sara Sidiqui, who wasshopping in Deira.
Expatriates have been sending money and gifts back home and are now preparing to celebrate Eid here.
Tasleem Karmali, an Indian Expatriate in Dubai for 30 years, said: “I already sent gifts for my friends and family in India. My shopping list includes a lot of perfumes, chocolates, tea and coffee, apart from, of course clothes and other gift items. For me it is such a beautiful time of the year, it brings so much peace and joy. We have been fasting the whole month and we arefeeling good about ourselves.“
The mood is upbeat and business is better than last year, said shop owners.
“We are quite busy and there are more customers compared to last year. This time the demand is higher for Pakistani AND Indian suits. Most of our customers opt to get their clothes stitched from us only to avoid delays from outside as this is a very busy time for tailoring shops,” said Rahul, from Old Story Trading, a shop owner in Meena Bazaar.
Many residents have planned to attend Eid celebrations with their families and friends.
“There will be lot of celebrations on the first two days during which we will be meeting people and inviting them to our home. As there are five days, we have booked a resort in Jebel Hafiz and I will be going with my friends and family,” said Sabiha Rashid, who has been living in Dubai for seven years.
