'Eid is nearly here': Joyful UAE shoppers welcome Islamic chants ringing out at malls

Amid the hustle of shoppers and the echo of footsteps, a serene and familiar chant gently cuts through the noise at 3pm in Mall of the Emirates:

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar…”

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With Eid Al Adha just days away, shopping malls across the UAE have begun broadcasting the Eid takbeerat — a spiritual call glorifying God — over their loudspeakers. The gesture is subtle but powerful, pausing the rush of daily life and touching hearts amid the everyday rush.

Dubai residents Lamar Murtada, Talia Alsayed, and Meera Alabbassi, paused mid-stroll, captivated by the sound echoing softly through the air-conditioned corridors. “It gives us that feeling that Eid is almost here,” said Meera.

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For Talia, the moment carried added a deeper meaning. “Just yesterday, I talked to my mom about this after we heard the takbeerat somewhere else,” she said. “It’s so calming. It brings us peace. Honestly, it's more meaningful than any background music.”

Major shopping centres like City Centre Mirdif, Deira City Centre, Union Coop, and Etihad Mall, are filling their spaces with the spiritual echoes of the takbeer, adding a reverent tone to the festive energy.

What is Takbeerat?

These recitations, known as Takbeerat Al-Adha, mean proclaiming “God is Great” and are a reflection of faith, gratitude, and joy. Recited especially during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, the takbeer is a cherished Sunnah that helps prepare the hearts of Muslims for one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar.

At Union Coop, the initiative began on May 28, marking the 1st of Dhul Hijjah, and will continue through June 8, the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.

“Broadcasting Eid Takbeerat in our branches symbolises Allah’s glory, spreads joy, and reminds people of Eid’s spiritual meaning. It helps revive the Sunnah, reinforce Islamic identity in public spaces, and educate Muslims about the proper practice and timing of Takbeerat,” said Shuaib Alhammadi, senior manager, community relations at Union Coop.

'A special moment'

For long-time Dubai resident Sajna Abdulla, who encountered the takbeer while shopping in Deira City Centre, the moment was unexpectedly emotional. “I was out shopping when it began and was quite surprised. It transported me back to my Hajj experience over 30 years ago,” she recalled. “The memories came rushing in. My family even started repeating the takbeer after the loudspeaker. It was a truly special moment.”

Even tourists are pausing to appreciate the gesture. Alia and Rahaf, sisters visiting Dubai from Saudi Arabia for a pre-Eid holiday, were delighted to hear the familiar chants. “It reminded us of home,” they said. “It’s heartening to hear this in Dubai, a city that blends modern living with strong Islamic traditions.”

This year, excitement is even higher as UAE residents prepare for a four-day Eid Al Adha break, starting Thursday, June 5, with Arafah Day, the holiest day in Islam. Eid Al Adha will be observed on Friday, June 6, coinciding with Jumuah (Friday) prayers, making the day spiritually significant with both sermons taking place back to back. The break will continue through Sunday, June 8, offering families and communities time for both reflection and celebration.

Across social media, UAE residents have started sharing their experiences by posting videos of the takbeerat echoing through malls, and tagging locations like Etihad Mall, Union Coop, and Mirdif City Centre.

More than just preparing for Eid, UAE malls are helping residents and visitors feel the spirit of the holiday in the heart of everyday life.

Waad Barakat

Staff Writer

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waad@khaleejtimes.com

Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.