Dubai residents' families fly in for Eid Al Adha celebrations

Dubai Eid Al

For millions of Muslims around the world, Eid Al Adha is a time to gather with loved ones for prayers and joyous celebrations. In Dubai, many families have traveled to the UAE to celebrate this significant festival with their relatives.

Residents in Dubai marked the first day of Eid Al Adha by attending prayers at mosques throughout the UAE early on Sunday morning. Special prayers were held in mosques and large open spaces called Eid musallahs, shortly after sunrise, with prayer spaces remaining open from the Fajr prayer.

Sameer Haziq, a Dubai resident, has a house full of guests this Eid, as many relatives from India have traveled to the UAE due to their children’s school holidays. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Haziq said, “This Eid, my house is bustling with activity. My brother-in-law and his family are visiting us from India. It’s a full house with everyone sharing stories and catching up on each other’s lives. It’s going to be a day full of celebration."

Haziq explained that many of his guests chose to visit Dubai due to the extreme heat in India and the school summer break. “In India, children are currently on their summer break, and with the extreme heat this year, many prefer to come to Dubai, where it's more comfortable. Everyone stays inside air-conditioned rooms. Dubai also has a lot to offer, especially during Eid,” he added.

On the morning of Eid, Haziq’s family woke up early, donned their best clothes, and headed to the prayer venue. “A childhood friend of mine is also visiting Dubai with his family, and they will be joining us this evening. My uncle, who lives in Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT), is hosting a gala lunch at his villa. It’s going to be a real feast. Since this is Bakra Eid, they have sacrificial meat coming from the abattoir, and my aunt will be preparing delicacies like Kaleji (Liver) masala, Biryani, and Korma, ending with some interesting desserts that my aunt always makes. So, this Eid is all about meat, meet, and eat,” Haziq quipped.

Residents also look forward to the spectacular fireworks that are a hallmark of the vibrant festivities in the UAE. “This is one of our most important festivals, and what better way to celebrate it than with family and friends who have traveled to the UAE for this occasion. After returning from the mosque, we’ve been cleaning and decorating the house. Although we do these things regularly, it’s always different when guests are coming over. In the afternoon, we’ll be going to my relative’s house for lunch, and in the evening, we’ll host a big gathering at our place,” added Haziq.

Eid Al Adha, which coincides with the Haj pilgrimage to Makkah, holds significant importance in Islam. All Muslims who are able are required to perform the Haj at least once in their lifetime. This year’s Haj took place between June 14-19.

Palestinian resident Mays Alalem shared how the last few days have been filled with activities, thanks to the unbelievable sales the city is offering this Eid season. “Preparing for Eid is always an elaborate process. From pre-Eid rituals such as getting nails and hair done at the salon to shopping for Eid outfits, these activities bring a sense of excitement for my six-year-old daughter and me as we get ready for the celebrations,” Alalem said.

However, she emphasized that festivals like Eid evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting her back to cherished childhood memories. “My family and I woke up early this morning and went to the mosque. After the prayers, I distributed candies and sweets to the children there. In Palestine, we used to have a big breakfast with delicacies like cooked liver and salted fish called Fiseekh. Everybody would gather and eat together. I am really reminded of those times,” she reminisced. “But here, after returning from the mosque, we all just slept off again,” she added.

Later in the day, Alalem planned to dress up and go to the mall for a hearty Eid meal. “We’ll probably pick a restaurant that my son and daughter like. Then we’ll be going to the toy store to buy them gifts of their choice,” she added.

Nora Hakim, a UAE resident, planned a different kind of celebration due to the heat outside. “I am planning to go out this evening with three of my friends to Racks Board Game Cafe. We will be playing games like Jackaroo, Uno, and Jenga, hopefully spending a relaxing evening together,” she said. The Egyptian-Lebanese national added, “My mother has made some delicacies today as it is Eid. She made Kibbeh and Tabbouleh among other things. So, it’s a little feast at home. I don’t want to go too far from my house as the traffic situation could be bad later in the evening. I want to spend quality time with family and close friends.”

Eid Al Adha is a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations, bringing joy and togetherness to Muslims in Dubai and around the world.