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Eid in Dubai

As the city gears up for the holiday, shopping and leisure activities pick up steam

As one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar, Eid Al Fitr is marked with much fanfare in Dubai along with the rest of the country. The occasion witnesses the exchange of gifts with family, friends, and those in need. Typically the period leading up to Eid is important commercially, as markets and malls report a seasonal peak with sales heading north. As festivities rent the air, Dubai leads the bandwagon.
People can avail of mega sales, discounts and freebies, as families get busy with Eid shopping. Like previous years, most souks, shopping centres and malls in Dubai have additional offers to promote Eid-themed shopping. A number of rich and elaborate programmes, including social, cultural and entertainment activities have been planned. The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in Dubai is actively promoting the ninth edition of 'Eid in Dubai.' Apart from musical concerts, theatrical and comedy shows, firework displays across different parts of the city will be the main highlights.
With the emirate gearing up for festivities, authorities are expecting a huge rush of tourists over the holiday weekend. High occupancies in hotels during Eid in Dubai has been a norm over the years. Usually tourists from the GCC celebrate their holidays in Dubai. The emirate has the largest number of hotel rooms in the Middle East and Africa. According to statistics released by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, visitors from 197 countries have visited Dubai (through air, sea and land ports) during Eid vacations in recent years.
A reason for this footfall is Dubai's reputation of offering a carnival of entertainment during Eid. From professional dancers, dressed as cowboys to tap dancing and concerts - there is something for everyone. Last year myriad music shows regaled audiences as dancers mixed their rhythms to create fun performances for the whole family. The trend is going to return this Eid.
Fireworks are among the most awaited events that attract huge crowds - tourists, residents and nationals alike. Taking place at various locations all over the city (like The Beach opposite JBR), expect the night sky to come alive with some of the best pyrotechnics staged by world-renowned experts.
Wearing a decorated and colourful look, Dubai is set to welcome Eid in style. Whether it is implementing food-control measures or sprucing up Eid prayer locations and public areas in the emirate, authorities ensure that everything is renovated ahead of the holiday.
With plenty on offer - from the timeless aura of Dubai Creek, its abra rides to souks offering a treasure of goods and world-class rides in Wild Wadi, Dubai has everything it takes to make the Eid holiday truly spectacular. 
- sadiq@khaleejtimes.com