A huge group of young children and adults, dressed in brand-new traditional attire, rushed towards the grand Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah Buhairah Corniche early on Friday morning.

Children were holding their parent's hands as they hugged, greeted and wished their relatives and friends on the morning of Eid Al Fitr.

This was a common sight outside all major and small mosques across the country as celebrators went for morning prayers on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr. After a month of fasting, celebrations began with morning prayers outside various mosques and musallahs across the UAE.

Home preparations
After prayers, several residents were also seen rushing to supermarkets to buy groceries for Eid lunch, which is a family-only affair for most. One resident in Sharjah, Ahmedkutty Nawaf, a businessman and father for three, said: "My wife is making mutton biryani and kheer (sweet dish with milk and vermicelli). Our relatives come visit with other dishes and about 10 to 12 of our family members get together to celebrate."

It was a similar situation in Kareem K. Peeran's, another Indian national and veterinary professional, house. He said: "It has been a strictly-family affair as far as I can remember. My wife begins cooking a day in advance, and other relatives bring food as well. We give young children Eidiya as well and call our relatives back home to wish them on the special occasion."

FIFA World Cup
 

Several residents have also taken advantage of the long weekend to travel back home, or to holiday destinations. For many, after Eid lunch it was time to catch the second day of the Fifa 2018 world cup tournament. Egypt was playing against Uruguay, and residents like Asim Abasi was glued to the television as soon as his lunch ended. "My country is playing. It is a great day for us, to celebrate Eid and cheer for Egypt," he said.

Sales, other places to visit
Residents who decided to stay in the UAE to celebrate Eid also plan on spending the long weekend 'road tripping' and 'mall hopping'. Nawaf added: "I might take my wife shopping as I hear there are some good discounts in the malls."

Aldar Properties' Yas Mall, The Mall at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi (The Mall at WTCAD) and Al Jimi Mall Al Ain kick-started a 24-Hour mega sale. The 24-hour Mega Sale commenced on Friday at 10 am and will continue till Saturday 10am. Open around the clock, over 400 retailers at these malls offered exciting promotions and discounts ranging from 20 per cent to 90 per cent at select stores.

The usual highlight during Eid weekends for many is a long drive away from the city to Al Ain to Al Qudra, Jebel Hafet, the Hot Springs and the zoo, and to the Liwa Desert for an evening of camping and barbecue. People were also seen thronging the parks and beaches later in the evening.

Anand Rajeev, 25-year-old marketing professional in Dubai, said: "We drove to the Zakher Lake in Al Ain. It is approximately 180km away from Dubai and the place is beautiful for sightseeing and barbecues.... The view is excellent. It was really hot in the mornings, so my friends and I left at 4.30pm."

Tasneem Karam, an Indian national and resident of Dubai, said: "Flight tickets during Eid to our home country is very expensive, so many of us tend to stay here and visit nearby places. We visited the Liwa Desert Resort for some night time photography and barbecue with family members. It is amazing because you are far away from the rush of the city and the view in spectacular."

Shammim Mohammed, a teacher in Sharjah, said. "We lead extremely busy lives... Family members must keep time aside for their loved ones over Eid. Picnics are the best way to spend time with family and the UAE has so many options for travel within the UAE," he added

Eid celebrations in Abu Dhabi
Thousands of Muslims attended the morning prayers at mosques in Abu Dhabi. Each space available in and around the mosques was occupied. And right after the prayers, the believers hugged each other with 'Eid Mubarak' wishes. There were smiles all around as it was time for fasting to give way to feasting.

For Emirati Amal Al Suwaidi, Eid brought out lot of cherished memories. "I have two sons and with them I recollect my childhood. Right from prayers, giving Eidiya, charity work, to family get together and going out - all of this is what makes the festival special."

Al Suwaidi is off to Al Ain to be with the extended family.

Another Emirati, Rashed Al Jasmi felt a new found energy from fasting for all these days.

"By fasting, we purify our mind and body. I feel stronger as a person."
On a lighter note, Al Jasmi said to be looking forward to the big feast in next few days.

"I will meet friends and family, and exchange gifts. This is part of our tradition. I know Eid holidays will have me eating too much of sweets."

Sayed Hussain, an expat living in the Capital for more than 20 years, said each Eid is special.

"The Rulers of the country make it a point to make each occasion an extraordinary one. There were so many changes made to labour and visa rules. All of this will help more expats make this country their home. We couldn't have asked for better Eid gifts. The Rulers have shown that we people matter."

Another expat, Vineeth Shah, said the holy month of Ramadan and Eid festival had lot of messages and teaching which were useful to everyone.

"Irrespective of religion and caste or nationality, all mark Ramadan fasting, Iftar get together and Eid celebrations. This sense of oneness isn't seen anywhere else. And Eid is a culmination of all things good about the UAE - tolerance, harmony, peace etc," said Shah, who will spend holidays with his family at Yas Island facilities.

SOURCE : KHALEEJTIMES