Abu Dhabi: Friends, family, and prayers are how most people are planning to spend their Eid holidays over the next few days.
Worshippers heading to mosques to perform the Eid prayers, to joyous family reunions with food and fun as the central theme, a number of residents and tourists across the UAE celebrated the spirit of the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ with traditional gaiety.
University student Ahd Al Heneidy, 21, who flew in from Egypt to spend Eid with her loved ones in her Abu Dhabi, which she considers her second home, said: “This country truly enlivens the Eid spirit. Hearing the call to prayer and being welcomed with an open-heart by your loved ones always make this holiday so distinct here,” she said.
“Relishing the sacrificial meat with my family at home is definitely one of the highlights of the day so far.”
Another resident, Khalid Omar, 53, a cyber-security expert, said he began the day by going to the mosque to perform Eid prayers.
“This is an annual ritual that I’ll always look to sustain,” he said. “Eid Al Adha to me is never complete without performing the Eid morning prayer.
These special prayers take place only twice a year, one during Eid Al Fitr and the other in Eid Al Adha and if I ever miss either of them, I feel regretful,” he said.
Hearing and reciting the words: ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is the great) during prayers and exchanging greetings with other Muslims help Omar appreciate this holy period even more.
As soon as the prayers were over, Omar, along with attendees at the mosque gathered and engaged in discussions over sweets and coffee, another tradition he follows every Eid.
Deema Bana, 23, who is a financial accountant, said Eid Al Adha this year would be unique for her as she is spending it with her fiance for the first time.
“My fiance and my brother’s family are on their way to our place to convey Eid wishes. We will then go over to one of the capital’s restaurants to mark the holy period together with an enjoyable feast.
“Eid is all about celebrating with family and loved ones. This holiday will always remain one of my favourites as I am spending it with someone with whom I am about to embark on a lifelong journey,” said Deema.
Ajmal Najeeb, from India, will be going to Sharjah to visit his cousins, “Eid is a good time to catch up with family, and since we have quite a few holidays, I will be taking my wife and children with me to Sharjah to visit my cousins and their families,” he said.
“We are also planning to go to Dubai together to have a look around,” Najeeb added.
Ahmad Al Marar, said he would be going with his whole family to Dubai for three days, “Eid is definitely a time for getting together with the family, and also a good time to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a long while. This is all part of the spirit of Eid and I think it’s important we keep following these traditions,” he said.
Abdullah Abu Hijleh, from Palestine, echoed the same sentiments. “I’ll be using my time during the holidays to be with family and friends. I believe that during Eid, you have to be with friends and family.”
Abdul Salam from the Philippines will be visiting friends with his wife and children, “Most of our family is in the Philippines, but we get a lot of invitations from friends here,” he said. “Eid is a good and happy time, a time to celebrate and be grateful for what you have,” he added.
Even youngsters made it a mission to mark the first day of the Islamic festival. Dressed in his country’s traditional attire, Emirati 12-year-old Khalifa Khalid, said he looks forward to Eid so he can dress up and receive his Eidiya or pocket money from his parents and other family members.
The capital also has an abundance of fun-filled events and activities for the public to enjoy
(With inputs from Sami Zataar, Staff Reporter)
— Maisoon Mubarak is a trainee at Gulf News
