Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Residents celebrated the first two days of Eid Al Fitr with marked gaiety. The atmosphere in each emirate was enlivened with festive activities in malls, restaurants, parks and entertainment venues.
In Dubai alone, tens of thousands thronged malls such as Deira City Centre, Mall of Emirates, Dubai Festival City, Mirdiff City Centre, Dubai Mall, Mercato and Al Ghurair Centre, to participate in events and activities organised as part of ‘Eid in Dubai’, a Dubai Government initiative.
In Abu Dhabi, EidFest, an initiative by various organisations, witnessed a variety of performances and dances in malls where visitors were greeted with dates and coffee. In addition, Lebanese singer Najwa Karam and Emirati YouTube sensation Mansour Zayed performed at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on the first day of Eid.
For many, Eid was reserved for family traditions, followed by other celebrations. Gulf News spoke to a few residents in the UAE to learn more.
Mansoor Ali Qazi, an Indian pharmaceutical supervisor in Abu Dhabi said, “This Ramadan was special as my seven-year-old son, Salman, fasted for the first time. We wanted to celebrate this in a big way. At home, we prepared his favourite foods. Our friends and relatives joined in the celebration,” said Qazi.
Hala Kazim, an Emirati owner of Dubai-based coaching company Journey Through Change, said Eid is a time dedicated to family reunion. “The first day is about being meeting close and extended family members, especially the elders who we don’t meet as frequently. From here, we move on to visiting friends. Usually we avoid malls as these are very busy.”
Ramzan Ali Shaikh, an Indian sales manager at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) in Dubai, said Eid is a special time that brings the family together. “My father-in-law has visited us this year. Our three-year-old son Aayan now understands more about Islamic traditions, and teaching him about prayers and Eidhi [monetary gift] strengthens our bond. This year our celebrations are mostly at home.”
Thousands of residents also attended the customary Eid prayers at mosques across the country. “Immediately after the prayers, my family shares the blessings of Eid by distributing gifts among the people who work at our home,” said Ali Makki, an Emirati businessman in Abu Dhabi.
After prayers, Makki and his family visited relatives and friends. He said, “One of the most exciting things is the traditional desserts that mark this occasion. At my home, we always prepare a decorated fruit basket and different halwas [sweet confections].”
