A time to celebrate life
A time to celebrate life
Dubai: Five-year-old Isra was dressed in colourful Eid clothes and had her hands decorated with henna as she and her relatives met at the massive prayer grounds in Bur Dubai early yesterday morning.
Her parents, Siddiq and Amina, came to Dubai from Ras Al Khaimah to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, the end of the 30 days of fasting.
"We will cook biryani and enjoy the holidays," said her father as they posed for pictures at the prayer grounds.
Thousands of Muslims filled the streets early yesterday morning as they headed to the various mosques and prayer grounds dotting the emirates for a short congregational prayer at about 6.30am.
The "mussalah" or prayer ground at Bur Dubai on Port Rashid Street could not hold the huge crowds and they spilled onto the roads and by-lanes.
All the worshippers had brought their prayer mats with them and spread them on the streets. The police had barricaded the prayer ground and let the people in through certain entry points to control the crowds.
"Eid Mubarak", said a sign on a police van as policemen waved cars to move on. Some worshippers had come just as the muezzin voiced the call to prayer and had to abandon their cars on the roads and join in the prayers.
Abdul Rahim Rais, a Dubai resident, walking home after the Eid prayers said: "This is a big day for Muslims not only in the UAE but around the world."
Traditionally, he and his family would visit relatives and friends today to greet them on the joyous occasion. "On the second day we wait at home for our wellwishers to come and visit us," he said.
Mohammad Ashraf had come from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to be with his son and grandchild on Eid.Tomorrow he heads for Muscat, Oman, to meet his brother.
The congregation at the prayer ground was mixed, reflecting the multiculturism of Dubai. After a short sermon, people lifted their hands in prayer.
The admonition by doctors to help prevent the spread of flu virus was ignored as people hugged and kissed each other. People picked up little children and kissed them on the cheek.
Last night, shops selling sweets were doing brisk business as people bought sweets to distribute to their friends and family. Swirling vermicelli sweets seemed to be a best-seller.
Thousands of residents thronged the malls, parks and beaches on Sunday to celebrate Eid.
Long queues began to form early in the morning at many of Dubai's green spaces including Za'abeel Park, Safa Park and Mushrif Park. Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall and Deira City Centre were also packed with people stocking up on groceries and traditional Arabic sweets for celebrations at home. Food courts, coffee shops and restaurants were also packed after reopening during daylight hours for the first time in a month.
Hundreds of families with excited children wearing new clothes and jewellery gathered at Safa Park to play games and enjoy picnics. Dozens of Emirati youngsters whizzed around the park in go-karts while spontaneous cricket and football matches broke out in the background.
A father couldn't resist tossing his son a few yorkers as they played cricket together under a shaded area.
Large groups of friends also gathered at Jumeirah Beach Park and Jumeirah Open Beach while Dubai's other main attractions including Ski Dubai, Dubai Ice Rink and the newly opened Sega Republic all enjoyed busy days.
Traffic in many areas of Dubai including Al Wasl Road, Al Diyafah Road and Jumeirah Beach Road was gridlocked for most of the day as thousands of people headed out to sample the festive atmosphere sweeping the city.
Eid is also being celebrated in Dubai with a new momentum this year with the Metro whooshing along the city's nerve centres, transporting thousands of people.
The gaiety and merriment of the occasion were most palpable in the Metro stations with families, bachelors and tourists queuing up from early afternoon to take a joy ride on the longest automated train in the world.
Sharjah: No more outage
Much to the relief of residents in the industrial area in Sharjah, the power supply was restored. They were seen soaking up the festivities and a majority of them were planning a day out with relatives and friends in the neighbouring emirates.
Residents told Gulf News they will not allow the erratic power and water supply to throw a damper on their celebrations.
Mohammad Bashir, a resident, said: "We have power restored but have no idea whether it will go off after dark. Basically it does not bother me anymore. I am off to celebrate Eid with my sister and her family in Fujairah."
There was a cheerful buzz all around as residents were seen climbing into vans and cars to spend their two-day Eid holidays in Khor Fakkan, Fujairah and Abu Dhabi. "It's Eid and why should we talk about the power supply? We have planned to enjoy ourselves, but I am glad to have woken up to find my air-conditioner running. It brought smiles back to me and my roommates," Abdullah Mubarak, a taxi driver, said. "We just hurried through our morning chores in case the power supply is cut off again," he added.
- Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter
How did you celebrate Eid? What differences do you note in Eid celebrations in the UAE when compared to your home country?
This time my Eid was very quite . I needed to take some nap from those long hours of work so I was at home with my family and pals. Later in the evening I just went out for a bit of shopping and will be going out again today evening to complete it. Im now all set to get back to work from tomorrow so getting prepared.
Mathew Litty
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 21, 2009, 13:22
