Gulf News

Plenty to choose from as residents firm up Eid holiday plans

LANDMARK VENUES AND MALLS HAVE LINED UP FIREWORKS AND SERIES OF ENTERTAINM­ENT ACTIVITIES FOR HOLIDAY

- DUBAI BY MARY ACHKHANIAN Staff Reporter

The festive mood heightened across the UAE yesterday as residents began preparing for the joyous advent of Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Bazaars, supermarke­ts, malls and souqs witnessed huge crowds making last-minute preparatio­ns for a grand Eid Al Fitr celebratio­n from today.

Many residents were already gearing up to meet and greet family and relatives on the first day of Eid and enjoy a big feast together, while children were excited to receive their Eidiya (gifts) from close older relatives.

Typically, men and women along with their children get dressed in their Eid best and head to the musallahs (prayer grounds) early morning to pray before heading out for any activities.

On the eve of Eid, confection­eries and sweet shops were extra busy and packed with customers placing special orders and ordering huge amounts of sweets.

For the Basheer family from India, Eid Al Fitr is one of the occasions they look forward to the most throughout the year because they can spend quality time together as a family.

“The children have started their holidays and are very excited for the weekend. We have planned a family outing, some shopping and dinner outside. After 30 days of fasting, we will first have a big feast at home in the company of friends and family,” said Hashim Basheer, a father of two.

While visiting the park could have been an entertaini­ng plan for the kids, Basheer said the weather was too hot for any outdoor activities.

“We will definitely be spending a lot of time at the mall this Eid. I will be distributi­ng gifts to my wife and children as well,” he said.

Over the last few days, in preparatio­n for the Eid weekend, thousands of residents have been flying out of the country to celebrate the festival with their relatives. Many visitors from across the world have also landed in the UAE to enjoy the numerous festivitie­s and sales on offer here.

Farah Abdullah, from Jordan, said she didn’t have to travel back home this year because her family decided to come and spend the summer holidays in Dubai.

“Eid is a time of joy and celebratio­n. This year it’s extra special because my family have come here to celebrate it with me. There is so much to do and experience in Dubai during the summer,” she said.

Eid revellers have a variety of locations and activities to choose from to enjoy the holidays and make the most of it with family and friends — from watching fireworks in various landmark locations in the city to attending live shows.

Modhesh World

Among the top attraction­s in Dubai is Modhesh World which features a line-up of family fun and an array of entertainm­ent activities, immersive and themed experience­s.

Running until August 25, Modhesh World has unveiled a packed calendar of events and activities that will take place in eight distinctiv­e halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre, offering engaging games, rides, stage shows, acts by roaming artistes, adventure-oriented activities, and much more.

Malls are also holding several activities to keep families entertaine­d along with their children with roaming artistes and renowned characters performing live.

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 ?? Abdul Rahman/Gulf News ?? From left: Sarish Yusuf Mostafa, Sarah Nizamuddin and Gauri Aditi create traditiona­l henna designs on each other’s hands ahead of Eid Al Fitr celebratio­ns, at Sarah’s residence in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Abdul Rahman/Gulf News From left: Sarish Yusuf Mostafa, Sarah Nizamuddin and Gauri Aditi create traditiona­l henna designs on each other’s hands ahead of Eid Al Fitr celebratio­ns, at Sarah’s residence in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
 ?? Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News ?? Khalifa Al Zaabi helps his son try on traditiona­l headgear at the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre in Abu Dhabi.
Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News Khalifa Al Zaabi helps his son try on traditiona­l headgear at the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre in Abu Dhabi.
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