Eid excitement, mall offers bring joy to UAE residents

Sarah Majid is all excited like any other six-year-old. No wonder as she has been shopping with her Pakistani parents all day long. Asked what she plans to do on Eid Al Adha, a bashful Sarah replied: “Wear my new clothes of course. And have lunch at my aunt’s house and I will also get lots of Eidi (gifts).”

Sarah and her family, along with the several thousand families here in the UAE are all geared up to welcome the festival of Eid Al Adha. The streets are decked up with sparkling lights; there are sales in practically every store in every shopping mall; and there’s a wide range of activities that families can pick from.

“The mutton has been marinated, the new clothes have been bought, and the house is sparkling clean,” said Nafisa Jehangir, Sarah’s mother. “The kids are really excited about the festivities and like all celebrations, I believe Eid is a wonderful time for families to get together,” added Nafisa.

For those who don’t have a big family function planned, the Beach Family Fair Jumeirah in Umm Suqeim 2 provides a perfect place for a family gathering during Eid in Dubai — Eid Al Adha celebrations.

The family gatherings at the Beach Family Fair has seen enthusiastic adults and kids participating in, and enjoying loads of beach and water-based activities daily from 10am until 9pm. These include entertainment workshops for children, inflatables and performances by roaming artistes including clowns and jugglers. A variety of food kiosks have also been set up at the event for the benefit of visitors. Families also get the opportunity to end their outing on a highly exciting note, thanks to the dazzling fireworks show that commences in the same location around 8.30 every night.

The 6th edition of ‘Eid in Dubai — Eid Al Adha’ celebrations is being held under the theme ‘Eid Al Adha unites us in celebration’, and is organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

Those who prefer a touch of tradition with their Eid celebrations can head out to the Heritage Village in the Shindaga area. The inaugural ‘Dubai Heritage and Touristic Season’, organised under the directives of Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, is hosting 50 traditional activities during Eid Al Adha.

People taking sacrificial goats from Al Qusais cattle market in Dubai on Monday. —KT photos by Shihab, Grace Guino and Nezar Balout

Dubai Culture will host a range of heritage and cultural events until April 2014 to educate visitors and residents of the UAE’s traditions and customs. The creek will feature an exhibit, including replicas of boats, insights on pearl diving and Arabian hospitality, and competitive fishing. The Shaikh Obaid bin Thani House will serve as a location for field trips for students, visits to the souk, roaming entertainment, carnivals and performances and arts and crafts for children. A hospitality tent will shed light on the facets of Emirati heritage, including the traditional Bedouin Camel Caravan used during weddings; wedding rituals and insights into the life of Bedouin dwellings.

Khalid Gharib, Head of the Committee of the Dubai Heritage and Touristic Season, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said: “The Dubai Heritage and Touristic Season will shed light on the bold ambitions of the UAE, while educating and reaching out to audiences from around the world, making it one of the most sought-after events in the city.” The activities will bring to life the essence of the Arabian souk; traditional weddings and games, in addition to a delectable line-up of authentic Emirati cuisine from all three geographic regions. -dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com