GDRFA Dubai celebrates Eid Al Adha with massive turnout and life-changing prizes

Dubai: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) wrapped up its lively "Eid Al-Adha – Let’s Celebrate Together" event on June 6 and 7, 2025, with an overwhelming response from the community, especially from workers living in labor accommodation areas.

The two-day celebration, part of the "Community Year 2025" initiatives, brought together people both in person and online in a heartwarming show of unity. It all began with Eid prayers attended by more than 9,000 workers—a moment that beautifully captured the spirit of togetherness.

In the evenings, Al Qouz came alive with cultural performances and live shows that drew thousands of people, running from 6:00 PM until midnight. At the same time, the digital side of the event was buzzing. From 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, over 42,000 people joined the online activities, with more than 151,000 livestream views, over 1,000 live comments, and around 3,000 new participants from inside and outside the UAE.

On the ground, around 50,000 people gathered at the event’s main stage, where the celebration ended on a high note with the distribution of 400 prizes worth more than Dh500,000. Big-ticket prizes included cars, smartphones, gold bars, flight tickets, and shopping vouchers. In a thoughtful gesture, GDRFA Dubai made sure the prizes were delivered directly to the winners at their homes.

Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of GDRFA Dubai and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Labor Affairs, said:

"When an event begins with Eid prayers and ends with real smiles on the faces of thousands, we know we’ve created something meaningful. This isn’t just about organizing a celebration—it’s about building memories that bring people together. That’s what Dubai is all about—putting people first."

Colonel Omar Matar Khamis Matar Al Muzeina, Assistant Director General for the Labor Relations Regulation Sector, said the huge, natural response from the community was a clear sign of success. "We wanted to bring Eid directly to the workers where they live—and together, we’ve made it an experience they will remember," he said.

GDRFA Dubai thanked all its partners and supporters, especially the Permanent Committee for Labor Affairs in Dubai, the key organizer. The Directorate also expressed special appreciation to its Gold Sponsors: du, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Al Fattan, and flydubai, whose support helped bring the event to life.

The success of the initiative was also made possible by the contributions of humanitarian organizations such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, Dubai Charity Association, Beit Al Khair Society, Mai Dubai, We One Foundation, and the Emirates Pulse Volunteer Team. These partners helped create a celebration that truly reflected Dubai’s spirit of giving and community.