Abu Dhabi: Bedecked with glittering lights, the emirate of Abu Dhabi is all set to welcome Eid Al Adha celebrations.
Nearly 3,000 lighting fixtures have already been installed along the streets of the capital, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City announced in a statement sent on Tuesday (August 29). The lights include fairy lights wrapped around palm trees, as well as geometric patterns inspired by Emirati heritage shining from lamp posts along Corniche Street and other thoroughfares.
Meanwhile, entertainment venues across the emirate have announced an exciting retinue of activities for the Eid weekend. A mainstay of UAE Eid celebrations, fireworks will light up the evening sky at the Yas Marina.
At the Yas Beach, a series of fun activities will enthrall children between 1pm and 5pm, including face painting, bouncy castles and performances featuring clowns and balloonists. Over at the Murjan Splash Park adjoining Khalifa Park, children will get a chance to visit a Back-to-School carnival and participate in games like Leap Frog and the Bean Bag Toss.
Meanwhile, visitors to Ferrari World can enjoy demonstrations of traditional Emirati heritage. There will be a live theatrical show featuring a grandfather swapping cultural tales with his grandson, a series of Ayyala dance performances, a show highlighting the skills of Emirati fishermen and pearl divers, and a model of a fascinating Emirati village.
At the nearby Yas Marina, fire-eaters, stilt-walkers and jugglers will mesmerise audiences, and children will be able to participate in Glow in the Dark activities that feature fluorescent face painting and Flashlight Limbo.
Malls will also hold Eid exhibitions, offer free henna painting sessions, and stage a variety of performances during the Eid break. For instance, popular Egyptian singer Hamada Helal will perform at The World Trade Centre Mall’s Eid Carnival on the first day of Eid, and there will be four Angry Birds live shows at the Bawabat Al Sharq Mall during the weekend. A troupe of young circus performers from Russia will also visit the Bawadi Mall in Al Ain and perform a number of jaw-dropping acrobatic stunts.
Where to watch fireworks:
Abu Dhabi
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: 9pm first day of Eid, the show can be best seen from the grass outside Iris or from the Yas Marina promenade.
Dubai
Dubai Festival City: Musical fireworks at 9pm and 11pm on first day of Eid
The Beach, Dubai: 8.45pm onwards from August 31 to September 3
Sharjah
Al Qasba, Sharjah: 10pm, First Day of Eid
