A sense of oneness

Eid is a gala time with unending options for recreation and food

Eid in the UAE is an occasion of fun and recreation, and among holidays that residents look forward to the most during the year. Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr, both of which are celebrated after the holy month of Ramadan, add to excitement and give people time to enjoy long holidays away from work and school. 
Often, it coincides with the weekend, giving residents a chance to plan and go out with near and dear ones. It is an opportunity filled with lots of fun, food, as well as a moment for adventures across the seven emirates. Many living and working in the UAE opt for short holiday breaks, and prefer to either travel back home or set out to exciting destinations across the region.
UAE-based airlines offer plenty of travel options, especially in emerging recreation spots in Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East at cheap and competitive rates, which open up opportunities for residents with different incomes to plan a getaway, earnestly. This is one of the most attractive features of being part of the UAE scene.
While the UAE is rich in terms of culture and tourism, so are its unique colours of fanfare and variety. This is why people venture to the UAE to spend their holidays, and experience the festivities and special deals on shopping and recreation. This makes the country unforgettable, and people exclusively cherish the hospitality and excellent administration and facilities they come across during their stay in the country.
On Eid, people look out for great cuisines to taste the best of cross-cultural delicacies. It is so lively. Buzzing malls are a common sight, with extended hours of shopping. 
Tempting discounts, cashback facilities and complimentary coupons make it a hot shopping destination. Such deals are common on Eid and other festivals. The lucrative offers are on everything: from real estate, car financing and booking a resort in the desert enclaves of Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain to visiting the oasis gardens of Al Ain, and finding cheap air tickets.
Eid in the UAE is rightly termed as an opportunity to experience a melting pot, wherein all nationalities and people from many religions are all smiles along with a passion for delicious food. There is no dearth of branded food chains in the country, and their serving is superb. Desert life, camel rides, mud-built villas and BBQ are other common features on Eid. Local dishes such as harees, shawarma and sheesha are quite popular. People from all cultures enjoy them, and are great in demand. 
While the UAE is home to millions of Indians, the festival of Onam is also celebrated with fanfare. Dubai, of late, has become a cultural melting pot and the Onasadya festivities are a big event. It is the culmination of a 10-day long harvest festival observed by the Malayali community with elaborate vegetarian feasts and white coloured garments. 
Another fun activity during Eid holidays in the UAE is the option to go on long drives in the deserts and across the metropolitans of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. That gets a new high as one hangs out with friends and prepares a great BBQ. Bashing sand dunes continue deep into the night, and make the getaway remarkable.
Eid is an opportunity to share smiles, end bitterness of the past, and at the same time spend the evening with dear and near ones. A special sense of belonging and oneness is what the occasion inculcates. 
- mehkri@khaleejtimes.com
Explore a list of exciting things to do during the Eid Al Adha holidays 
Festive brunch at Raffles Dubai 
Head to the family-friendly brunch at Azur Restaurant this Eid. The restaurant is serving up a delicious array of European and Arabic favourites including hot and cold mezze, fresh salads and seafood, as well as dazzling desserts. There will be delicious authentic dishes such as roast chicken, freshly grilled lamb kofta and shish taouk, as well as a live shawarma station and a traditional lamb ouzi, which is sure to be a hit with the
whole family!
Plus, you can quench your thirst with a specially crafted drinks menu featuring Vimto Spritz, Tamarind Temple and Moroccan Ice Tea. It will be a treat for kids too as Raffles chefs have planned for a fun and creative day in the kitchen for them where they will be busy making pizzas or decorating cookies.
INFO: Azur restaurant, Raffles Dubai, Friday September 1, 1pm to 4:30pm, Dh235, children under six dine for free, children under 12 dine for half price, 971 4 324 8888 or e-mail: dining.dubai@raffles.com
Enjoy the fireworks at The Beach
The Beach at JBR is planning four days of spectacular fireworks and plenty of live family-friendly entertainment. The cultural celebration promises an unmissable carnival atmosphere, with marching bands and street performers. There will also be an exciting programme of fun activities to keep the little ones busy. 
INFO: August 31 to September 3, 8:45pm onwards, www.thebeach.ae/whats-on 
Join the celebrations at JBR and Bay Square
The communities of Business Bay and JBR will be hosting a range of live events, where families and friends can celebrate this memorable time of year and experience an authentic cultural extravaganza. The air will be filled with beautifully adorned traditional decorations, as well as regional entertainment with live performances. Creative henna artists and calligraphy artists will also be at hand. Plus, the Al Yallah and Dabke dance groups will keep spectators riveted as they perform folk dances. Live acts including stilt walkers and hula-hoop groups in LED lights will add to the celebratory mood. Kids will enjoy the complimentary workshops scheduled for the special weekend, including cookie decorating, gift box making, lantern-making and candle decoration. 
INFO: Throughout the three days of Eid at JBR and Bay Square, Business Bay
Plan a staycation in Al Ain
Get your family and friends together and head to Danat Al Ain Resort, and make the most of the extended weekend. The resort has created packages that include room offers of up to 40 per cent off for a stay of two nights and more. All rooms have balconies with views of the lush gardens or the Jebel Hafeet Mountain complete with modern amenities. On the first and second day of Eid, the resort is offering a la carte menu for brunch at the poolside. On the second and third day of Eid, it is offering a special set menu at Oasis Café for Dh110 per person. 
INFO: 971 3 704 6000, or e-mail: reservations.alain@danathotels.com  
Carnival atmosphere in Abu Dhabi
The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi (WTCAD) will be transformed into an Eid Carnival. The entertainment experience will provide a spectacle of jugglers, acrobatic acts, giant puppets, exciting stage shows, parades, and a mascot orchestra show roaming around the premises. The event will entertain visitors with performances from traditional Emirati Ayala dancers, the Lebanese Dabke dance show, and the Egyptian Tanoura dancer. 
INFO: Event is free of charge, from 3:30pm to 10pm, The Mall at WTCAD 
Take a trip to Maldives
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and head to Niyama Private Islands, Maldives. The property is offering special discounted rates as part of their Stay Longer offer. Guests can soak in stunning views at this idyllic Indian Ocean resort and enjoy 40 per cent off the room rate, a free upgrade to half board and complimentary 60-minute treatment for two at the Niyama Spa, by booking a stay of two nights online before September 30. 
With its 134 beautifully appointed studios, suites and pavilions dotted across Niyama Maldives' two pristine islands, Chill and Play, the package is created specially for Middle East-based families.
INFO: Rates start from Dh2,086++ per night for two adults and two children, www.niyama.com 

• Dubai