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It’s pure fun out there celebrating Eid!

With the sun shining bright and temperatures within a touching
distance of comfortable, people thronged outdoors in large numbers celebrating Eid holidays.

It was a feeling of relief for most, as they could enjoy outdoor activities with families and friends for the first time after several months with the harsh summer giving way for cooler climes just in time for Eid Al Adha.

Parks, gardens, wildlife reserves, beaches as well as dunes and valleys across the emirates found picnickers in droves, sharing a quality time with their loved ones while indulging in the bounties of nature.

The beaches at the Jumeirah Beach Park, Umm Suquiem and Mamzar in Dubai seemed a sea of people, with some relaxing in the sand and others enjoying the warm waters, while the little ones scurried and screamed to their hearts content.

“It’s good to be on the beach again after a long time, particularly when you see kids enjoying so much. It’s a great feeling. We don’t get this opportunity normally through most part of the year, as we are busy with work and the heat doesn’t allow you to step out. We like coming out during Eid holidays. We couldn’t come during Eid Al Fitr this year, because it was hot at that time, but I am really enjoying with my family on Wednesday,” said a visibly relaxed Ebrahim Siddiqua, who spent an entire day at Jumeirah Beach Park on Wednesday.

It was the children who made the most out of the outdoor sessions, and the parents made their day just watching the kids having a ball.

“My son has been insisting on going to a park for a long time, but I wasn’t ready to brave the heat for all these days. But I have dedicated these Eid holidays to him. On Tuesday, we were at Zabeel Park and we are having fun at Mamzar Park on Wednesday. He particularly enjoys snorkeling and jet skiing and together we are having a good time,” said Suhail Mohammed, as he jetted off for another round of wild rides with his 12-year-old boy.

Another most interesting aspect of an outdoor family session is the food. It’s that time when roles change temporarily in many families as men take over the cooking charge and let the women folks relax.

Mohammed Faheem’s is one of those families that do not miss an opportunity to go out and neither do they give up a chance for making barbecues when they are outdoors.

“Eid holidays are the occasions we look forward to most keenly because it is the time when almost every one from our extended family get together and we make sure we go out every time. I just love the entire experience of playing with kids, swimming and most importantly making barbecue over the coal fire,” said Faheem, speaking to Khaleej Times on phone from his camp in Hatta, one of the most popular spots with picnickers. He added that joining and sharing in the exercise of making food for everyone is the most lovely experience one can have.

Yes, It’s that precious time of the year when it’s fun to be outdoors in this part of the world. The weather is just pleasant to say the least and it’s good to give up the air-conditioned cocoons just for a while and bask in the glory of nature. One couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to winter than the one the UAE is having with Eid Al Adha. And, boy! There are more opportunities with the National Day holidays around the corner. — shafaat@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE