Various nationalities celebrate Eid in their own special way

Some danced and sang, some thronged parks and others stayed with friends and family, sharing special moments and lip-smacking cuisine.

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To mark the occasion, local troupes performed traditional dances and songs in different parts of the city to celebrate Eid and entertain the residents celebrating the festive day.

In the afternoon, Abu Dhabi residents, after exchanging greetings with friends and relatives, thronged the beaches and parks to have their lunch with special Eid cuisines.

A large number of the residents opted to spend the day in the Eastern Region, specially in Al Ain and its nearby oasis, and the Hajar Mountains in Al Hatta and the East Coast of the country.

In Dubai, the different communities celebrated Eid in their own way with some spending time with their family at parks and others spending it by throwing open their homes to all.

Many residents visited homes of friends and relatives to wish them a happy Eid. Malaysians in the UAE, however, celebrated Eid by welcoming friends and strangers. Called an open house, the tradition is uniquely Malaysian.

"Holding an open house is part of the Malaysian tradition. We celebrate all major holidays by opening our homes to people, friends and strangers alike," said Syed Muhadzir Jamallulil, director of Tourism Malaysia.

Carmen Al Jabar, a German married to a Syrian, said this was her first visit to a Malaysian open house.

"I really like it. I would like to apply this to German culture," she said.