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UAE residents make the best of free, discounted activities for Eid Al Fitr
Despite the ongoing regional conflict, residents and visitors are enjoying festive offers while prioritising family time and connections in the UAE
- PUBLISHED: Thu 19 Mar 2026, 5:00 AM UPDATED: Thu 19 Mar 2026, 9:00 AM
Amidst uncertain times, many UAE residents have decided not to scale back on their Eid celebrations or dim its shine. From hosting family gatherings and wrapping gifts, they are going the extra mile to ensure that it is a time of happiness. For some of them, this holiday season will be the time to explore attractions and take advantage of special discounts.
Dubai resident Fathima Sheikh will be gathering with her extended family of at least 50 people in a farmhouse — one that she scored at a discount as property owners roll out offers. “Usually, our Eid plans are set much in advance because we need at least 25 rooms in a hotel or a large enough farmhouse to accommodate all of us,” she said. “This year, we were unsure what to do but, earlier this week, we decided to gather anyway. Under normal circumstances, it would have been impossible to find a suitable place but, this year, we managed to find one and even got a good discount on it.”
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She said that on the second day of Eid, the family plans to go around the city and take advantage of offers by local attractions. “The kids want to check out Aquaventure in Atlantis while some of us want to visit Dubai Miracle Garden,” she said. “It will be crowded but I think that is part of the fun during Eid.”
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Eid 2026 will fall on Friday, March 20 in the UAE. This year, Eid prayers will take place inside mosques, with no outdoor setup to ensure the safety of worshippers due to the ongoing regional unrest. The timing of the prayers vary from 6.30am and 6.50am across the country.
Tourism continues
Saudi resident Mohammed Zohaib Peshimam said he was unsure about coming to the UAE for Eid due to the regional tensions, but he was glad he did. He is currently in Dubai with his wife and children for two weeks, visiting family. “We drove from Riyadh to Dubai,” he said. “The roads were unusually empty and the journey quiet, but when we arrived in the UAE, it felt calm. The skies were clear, untouched by the tension we had feared. We felt a sense of peace — like coming back home.”
He added that during their time here, the family were trying to squeeze in some outdoor activities as well. “I know that the Dubai Miracle Garden has free entry and that many parks have a lot of activities,” he said. “So, in between spending Eid with my wife’s parents and my brother, we are hoping to squeeze in time to enjoy some of what Dubai has to offer during the festive period.”
Plans change, festivities still on
Sudanese expat Mawada Elmagboul has had to make changes to her Eid plans due to the regional conflict. After originally planning to fly to Egypt to spend time with her parents, Mawada is now celebrating Eid in Abu Dhabi with her friends and brother. “I haven’t seen my parents in two years but with the current situation — that includes flight cancellations and very high ticket prices — it didn’t feel practical,” she said. “My family advised me to skip this Eid and visit them later instead. So now, my plan is to stay in Abu Dhabi and spend it with my friends’ family here, along with my brother who also lives in the city.”
She said that she was looking forward to the festivities. “The most exciting part is how everyone comes together, even if it’s virtually,” she said. “My family group chat becomes very active; everyone sends photos of their outfits, shares updates, and calls each other throughout the day. Those calls mean a lot because life gets busy and we don’t always stay in touch regularly. Also, in Abu Dhabi, the decorations and the overall atmosphere really bring out the Eid spirit, which makes the day feel special even when you’re away from home.”
