'Eid in Dubai' celebrations get off to a grand start

Dubai: A 25-minute fireworks display combined with a dazzling laser and water-fountain show formed a brilliant spectacle on the opening day of ‘Eid in Dubai' celebrations at Dubai Festival City, on Tuesday, September 30, as thousands of visitors gathered at the mall for Eid-Al-Fitr.

Starting off at 8 pm, the fireworks display was planned to go in perfect synchronization with the water-fountain and laser show, attracting the applause of shoppers and visitors present at the venue. The show was part of numerous other events organized in the ‘Eid District', a specially set-up venue in Dubai Festival City.

The Fun Fair, featuring electronic games, rides and popular redemption games attracted vast crowds of children and their parents to the venue. For those culturally inclined, the Heritage Zone provided an insight into all the elements of a traditional Eid celebration through exhibits, cuisine, and music. A horse-riding area at the zone also added to the excitement.

The Festival Centre stage in the mall attracted the most crowds with Arab singers and a huge ensemble of musicians playing various songs and music from countries across the Middle East.

While music bands played on stage, solo musicians lent their artistic creativity to enhance the festive spirit of Eid across Dubai Festival City. The rich music repertoire featured instruments such as violin, flute, cello, and traditional instruments like oud, nay, qanoon and tabla.

The Eid District was also the venue for the Fuwallat, a custom of greeting and welcoming visitors during Eid celebrations, with around 50 volunteers in the mall offering tea, dates and even incense to visitors.