Dubai: Eid Al Adha celebrations has begun with huge crowds expected to throng malls, new attractions, parks, beaches and restaurants.
In Dubai, home to the world’s busiest airport, the Eid holiday traffic will top one million passengers, Dubai International Airport said.
Scores of tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, who are typically led by Saudis in term of numbers, are in town to take advantage of shopping deals, shows and dining options.
Residents and tourists are also expected to experience new attractions, most notably the IMG Worlds of Adventure, billed as the world’s biggest indoor theme park. It is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors per day, with an equal split between residents and tourists, during the first year of its operation.
Dubai Mall, the world’s biggest mall that is one of the most visited destinations on earth, will also be especially busy over the Eid break, which lasts till Saturday.
A huge variety of events has been planned for the long Eid break. All emirates have organised a host of attractions, such as fireworks, shopping deals, games, rides, shows and performances.
Many families are flocking to public parks, beaches and tourist spots for an Eid getaway; some have planned staycations at UAE resorts. Others are busy receiving guests or accepting Eid invitations at homes.
Eid in Dubai
The ninth edition of ‘Eid in Dubai — Eid Al Adha’ celebrations has stepped up the shopping experience across the city with families flocking to malls to enjoy the line-up of events and activities, as well as picking up bargains on a wide range of merchandise.
The campaign is organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), and runs for 10 days until September 17.
A rewarding shopping experience awaits residents and visitors to Dubai during the celebrations, thanks to a retail promotion titled ‘Shop, Spin & Win’ by DFRE and Dubai Shopping Malls Group, offering shoppers spending a minimum Dh200 the chance to win cash prizes up to Dh1.5 million.
Malls in Dubai have put together an extensive programme aimed at keeping families and children entertained during the Eid Al Adha holidays. Among the highlights of this year’s Eid celebrations at malls in the emirate are: Looney Tunes Show, The Jungle Book, Nickelodeon PlayPark — Live, The Spark, Ya Simsim Live Show, Al Capone Jazz Band, and the garden-themed event, Forever Friends Picnic.
Sharjah shows
Sharjah has geared up its Eid Al Adha programmes and activities offering visitors a set of indoor and outdoor entertainment activities, especially at different tourism destinations falling under the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
At Al Qasba, for instance, is hosting a Cinderella musical from September 12 to 14, with three daily evening shows. There will also be a fireworks display during the first day of Eid at 10.30pm. Fireworks will also light up at Al Majaz Waterfront between 9pm and 10pm, showcasing a combination of water, light and music at Sharjah’s Fountain.
Meanwhile, there will be a Hawaiian Feast at Sharjah’s Al Montazah Amusement and Waterpark, which is announcing its ‘Luau Escapade’ programme during the entire Eid holiday, with Hawaii as its central theme.
Visitors can also head to the relatively new Al Noor Island, which houses a butterfly house, and the Heart of Sharjah heritage area for an authentic Emirati experience.
