A midsummer time Eid of fun and festivities

Malls and parks across the country were packed as people took advantage of a leisure opportunity to enjoy shows and other entertainment options.

Across the UAE, residents - including the country's leaders - celebrated the first day of Eid alongside families and friends. 
For some, such as Emirati Abu Dhabi resident Amer Ali, Eid Al-Adha is a period to reflect. "For me, this is a day to forgive and forget, and start afresh," he said. "This festival highlights the need to respect ties between humans."  
Malls and parks across the country were packed as people took advantage of a leisure opportunity to enjoy shows and other entertainment options. In Dubai, for example, children flocked to malls to see shows including a Looney Tunes show featuring Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny, or the Jungle Book and a live rendition of the popular Arabic children's show, Iftah Ya SimSim. Still others tried their hands at enticing deals and competitions, such as the 'Shop, Spin and Win' competition, which gave shoppers who spent over Dh200 the opportunity to win cash prizes of up to Dh 1.5 million. Yet others headed to see a spectacular fireworks show in JBR.  
Sharjah, for its part, decorated its major landmarks, making for a festive atmosphere at thousands flocked to Al Qasba and other areas to enjoy each other's company, or to see another set of exciting fireworks along the Al Majaz Waterfront.
Some, however, took the opportunity to spend time with friends and families, in many cases over a feast. Expat Nadeem Ashraf, for example, was joined by friends from other emirates, who all got together to make mutton biryani. "We are meeting after a long time and cooked together," Ashraf said.
Hassan Iqbal, who is working in the capital for decades, said the old charm of Eid is now missing. "Now, all just wish Eid over social media. It's mostly one festive message getting forwarded to all. Person-to-person contact is missing," Iqbal, an expat, said greeting his friend with a warm hug.
Eid Al Adha happened to be a special day for children and more so for girls. "We applied henna on hands and it was a fun night (on Sunday). I got Eidi today. I haven't planned what to do with it," Ziya Fathima said, who along with her friends Nashua Shfeeq and Zooni Saheed celebrated Eid together.
By evening, malls were parks across fully occupied, with various shows and events doing brisk. Monday also saw people heading out to enjoy the weekend. "I am off to Muscat with my friends. I will be at the Barr Al Jissah Resort and hope to have a rejuvenating weekend," Girish Mate said.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE