Eid in UAE: 11 ways to enjoy the long weekend while at home

Eid is one of the best occasions to spend quality time with family and friends and take in the entertainment that the UAE has to offer. Unfortunately, with the coronavirus pandemic at our doors and the current movement restrictions in place, this year’s holidays will be little subdued. But that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Gulf News puts together a nifty guide to continue celebrating the long weekend at home and while social distancing.

Eid concerts: While most of us in the UAE revel in the festive Eid concerts every year, this year is playing out a little differently as the pandemic rains on our parade. But it doesn’t have to be so. A slew of virtual concerts have been announced for the occasion and we have a full schedule ready for you. Emirati star Mohamed Al Shehhi, Iraqi artist Hatem Al Iraqi and Lebanese singer Yara will perform at Al Majaz Amphitheatre on May 25, 26 and 27, respectively. The three-day Eid series will be broadcast online in real-time across Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Each concert will all take place at 9pm. Meanwhile, Layla Kadran, Yasalam Emerging Talent Competition winners FAFA and Danny Aridi,, singer Moh Flow x A’y, Emirati soul sensation Abri and rapper Freek will perform on May 25 at 9pm UAE time for ‘Flash Live; Eid Celebrations’, a virtual socially distant concert.

Get cultural: Can’t head to the Louvre Abu Dhabi? No problem. The museum has unveiled a roster of entertainment that will be streamed across its social media platforms, including hosting prominent UAE poets to recite classic poetry from Arabic Literature that link to a specific artwork and reflects the messaging of values of hope and resilience. The recitals are 2-3 minutes long and can be found live on Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Instagram page.

Festive cheer with Ali and Mina: UAE-based comedians Ali Al Sayed and Mina Liccione have announced a virtual show on the first day of Eid to keep viewers entertained as they spend time at home during these movement restrictions. Streaming at 8pm on the first night of Eid on Dubomedy’s page via Facebook Live, the couple will bring the humour with some global circus acts and special appearances. The line-up includes Luis Malabra, diabolo juggler and winner of ‘Spain’s Got Talent’, body percussion and stomp artist Khalid Freeman (Cirque du Soleil, Stomp the Yard), Orlene Gentile and Bambini with foot juggling (‘America’s Got Talent’) and musical acts Salha and Joel and The Boxtones.

Send Eidiya online: Who doesn’t love receiving the gift of Eidiya over the festive period from family members? As we are social distancing this year, why not continue with the tradition and send a loved one their Eidiya virtually. Avenues such as instant messaging app ToTok is facilitating it this year through a collaboration with PayBy, which operates mobile payment services in partnership with financial institution, FAB. PayBy on ToTok allows users to quickly and conveniently send instant money transfers to their family and friends through ToTok chat. Once a person receives the new Eidiya gift, the money remains in their ToTok wallet to use as they see fit.

Online feast with the family: Yes, we are far away from our families and social distancing, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be a part of our traditional Eid feast. Thanks to technology and apps such as Zoom and Google Hangouts, we can all be a little bit closer to share those big moments in life. Set the table and bring your family members and/or friends to break bread with you virtually. Just hearing a voice or three can bring that bit of cheer needed for festive occasions. Those who are unable to join need not be forgotten. Make a phone call or send an e-card.

Cook up homemade treats: Some of our best memories during the festive season is conjuring up treats in the kitchen with our mums or grandparents. Continue the tradition this Eid with kids at home. Use the help of any online grocery in the UAE to get you the ingredients for the feast.

Order in: It is a time to be socially distant and if cooking up an Eid feast is not your thing, then try out one of the numerous Eid meal deals that are available at the your favourite restaurants across the UAE. Also, don’t forget to order in some delicious Umm Ali for dessert; you deserve it.

Get creative: The best part about Eid celebrations, aside from the delicious treats of course, are the colourful decorations that truly dress up the house for the occasion. Those with younger children at home can make this a fun activity for the brood and have them get creative. Make an arts and crafts project with paper and paint or crayons and have the kids paint lanterns and moons to brighten up the house. They can even paint up the balcony glass door if your OCD allows.

Eid viewing anyone?: Round up the troops and hunker down for some family movie time. There are some great options on Netflix streaming just in time for the long weekend. Binge a series of comedy plays including ‘El Eyal Kebret’, ‘Al Motzawgoon’ and ‘Bye Bye London’. If you want to relive the classics, check out the new Arabic Nostalgia row, which includes ‘Raya w Skeina’, ‘Morahek Fl Khamseen’, ‘Shahid Ma Shafsh Haga’ and more. All the plays are dubbed in English and streamed around the world in 190 countries for users with Arabic user interface. The plays will be available on the service starting May 21.

Virtual game night: One of our favourite long weekend Eid activities is dedicating one night for games with close friends and family. Considering we are social distancing this time around, grab the buds and spend one of the nights playing virtual games with friends over Zoom, Google Hangouts or even Microsoft Teams. We love Skribbl.io, which works as a virtual Pictionary of drawing and guessing and is free to play. Other games we like to play is Psych, which almost plays out like a version of Cards Against Humanity. Plus, check out Jackbox Games for other contenders.

Dress up for the occasion: You may decorate the home and have the table heaving with the feast, but nothing truly makes a festive occasion than dressing up for the part. Don’t forget to take out your festive best and sit down to feast with the family. You deserve it.