Eid Al Adha: Families in UAE embrace new traditions this year

Dubai - Family affairs were planned around a socially-distanced holiday.

As they geared up for quiet, intimate Eid Al Adha celebrations -almost similar to the #StayHome Eid Al Fitr a couple of months ago - UAE families  have said they have now accepted, and fully embraced, the new normal.

This year's festivities may be different from practices they grew up with, but they said creating some new traditions make the occasion more meaningful.

Family affairs were planned around a socially-distanced holiday. Many are taking to video-conferencing apps to wish their loved ones a happy Eid, even though they are in the same city. Many are venturing out to malls, parks, and desert areas for picnics and barbeques, but only after their safety checklists are completed.

Expat Dorra ben Ghorbal has been busy preparing for Eid Al Adha over the last few days as she used to go home to Tunisia almost every year to celebrate with her extended family.

"Eid is the biggest festival, therefore, we see to it that we celebrate it in a big way by preparing our traditional dishes, such as couscous, and getting new clothes for my kids. I also make sure that every Eid, we explain to them the real meaning of the festival. This time, we are bringing in a customised cake for them with some sheep, goats on it denoting it's Eid Al Adha. My kids are really very happy and excited," explained  Dorra, a Dubai resident for nine years.


Safety is a priority

Indian expat Fahim Fazal Manikware said Eid is an exciting time for his family of four. "Our Eid preparations actually started almost a week back with the never-ending shopping sessions - matching accessories, shoes and dresses for my wife and  two daughters. With the Covid-19 pandemic around, we will not be participating in any Eid gatherings but that hasn't stopped us from celebrating at home," he said.

"My daughters and wife have been cleaning and decorating the house to get that special Eid feeling and we have been playing the Eid Takbeer chants at home, reciting it together to seek Allah's mercy and blessing. My wife is also the busiest person during Eid time as we prepare our best dishes on this day. The celebration must go on."

Pakistani resident Riyaz Rizvi said he and his family will be going to Jebel Jais. "The weather on the mountains is pleasant, and we are planning a night-time barbecue at one of the pitstops. Obviously, social distancing is going to be a priority."

saman@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai