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Extra staff, festive discounts: UAE residents head out for last-minute Eid shopping
At markets across Rolla, Karama and Abu Dhabi, residents flocked to buy clothes, apply henna, and shop for Eid gifts as regional tensions continue
- PUBLISHED: Thu 19 Mar 2026, 10:20 PM
Several people thronged to markets around the country to do some last-minute shopping before Eid Al Fitr. Even as the regional tensions continued, UAE residents and citizens did not dial down their Eid celebrations or their spirits.
At the Rolla market, crowds began building up almost immediately after the night’s Isha prayers. Afghan clothes seller Noor Rahman said that it had been a very busy week for them. “From last weekend, we have had a steady stream of customers,” he said. “This year, we were worried whether people would be hesitant to spend but thank God, there is no dip in sales. We are very happy.”
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He said that his shop would continue to function until the wee hours of the morning. “A lot of people come for last minute shopping,” he said. “Sometimes to buy Eid clothes, or to buy gifts for others. We will be open at least until 2am. Then, we will go home and sleep for a while before going out for the morning Fajr and then Eid prayers. The shop will be closed for Eid and the day after.”
At the market, worshippers could be seen picking out prayer caps and traditional attires for the early morning Eid prayers. To be held soon after sunrise, this year the prayers will be held only inside mosques and not at open-air Eidgaahs amidst the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. Prayer timings vary from 6.40a, to 6.50am across the country.
At Al Mashour confectionery shop, customers rushed to stock up on sweets and traditional treats for Eid celebrations. According to the shop owner, the rush was only getting started and would continue till late in the night. Meanwhile, at the Madina Lahore salon, the crowd was so large that newcomers were issued tokens and asked to come back after two hours. "I wanted to get a haircut but I dont think it is going to happen today," said one resident. "I will look for some more salons in the area and maybe I will be able to find one that can accommodate me."
Feeling festive
Across the aisle, the festive spirit was palpable among the youngest shoppers.
Sisters six-year-old Ayesha Noor and eight-year-old Miraal Fatima were at the market with their parents to shop for henna cones ahead of the Eid celebrations. They said that they were excited to go home and apply henna in preparations for Eid prayers on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi resident Fathima, she waited an hour before she could get services at her local salon. “It was very crowded from afternoon onwards,” she said. “However, the best thing was that the salon offered me a 25 per cent discount. They said they wanted to spread some festive cheer at an uncertain and testing time in the country. I thought it was a very sweet gesture.”
In Karama, people could be seen milling around in large groups, shopping for clothes, and enjoying food on the last day of the Ramadan Street Food festival. At Lallumma’s restaurant, the preparations to meet the Eid-day rush was in full swing at 9pm. “Our staff will work till around 2am before returning at 6am,” said Anees Fareed, manager of the restaurant. “Breakfast will start at 7.30 in the morning and we will serve throughout the day. We are bringing in extra staff to meet the rush.”
