Dubai Shopping Festival presents 'Eid in Dubai'

As a new initiative by the Dubai Shopping Festival Office, 'Eid in Dubai' presents an enhanced opportunity to live the Eid spirit this year.

While Dubai hosts more than 200 nationalities, 'Eid in Dubai' is set to spread and share the joy of Eid within the city.

"Cheer and festivity rule this day. At dawn people rush to mosques to offer Eid prayers and they return home to meet and greet friends and family members with blessings. Children dressed in their new clothes rejoice as they receive eidiyah from their elders. Toy stores, sweet shops and malls bustle with activity as the crowd celebrates this day of reward. As an expatriate family residing in the Emirates, we like to celebrate Eid outdoors by the beach or at the parks, but this year the weather is going to make that a little difficult to manage," pointed Dina Tarek who was out shopping with her sister, Reham, and her mother, Nisreen.

The sisters added, "We've had the chance to celebrate Eid back in Egypt, our home country, on previous occasions and we feel the fun is larger in Dubai - maybe because it is so much like home here!"

Indeed, Dubai is home to several communities and nationalities. Sayyora Djuraeva, a
Russian Muslim said, "I felt a spiritual belonging when my husband and I moved to Dubai. We were able to practise our religion freely and we noted the observance of holy events in this country. It has been six years since UAE became our home and each year, our celebrations have been different. It depends on the group and the number of friends who are getting together for the occasion. This year we hope to book into a luxury hotel for a session of relaxation and pampering; and in our free time we would definitely like to visit some of the events lined up for the recently announced 'Eid in Dubai' programme."

Karen Crasto, Asma Merchant and Huma Qureshi were also eager to stray from norms this Eid, they said, "We have known each other since we were in school and its been great remaining so even now although we have started our careers. Year after year we make it a point to visit each others' homes, exchange eidiyah and celebrate with relatives and friends. But this time we are waiting for other options. We've read about some interesting shopping campaigns and concerts, and we are definitely looking forward to it!"

"Eid is a time to reflect on our blessings, it is all about sharing and caring," said Dr Bou Bekri. This is his first Eid in the UAE, prior to which his family was based in the US.

"We have noted a marked difference in the whole ambience of this country. Back in US, we celebrated the holy month of Ramadan and Eid within a very small community. We are hopeful of a better time this year. We have invited some friends to visit us from Saudi Arabia - together with them we will visit malls and events so that it becomes a memorable and enjoyable time for us all."

Mohammed (12), Farah (7) and Sarah (3) are students at the Al Hikmah School in Ajman. Their father Mohammed Mudhafer said, "During the Eid holidays we always go for a long drive out of the city. A wholesome barbeque with friends, a fun-time splash at the water parks or some gaming by any arcade alley makes us all happy. I heard this year Barney is visiting Dubai for Eid, I look forward to taking my children for that show."

Reem Faris, an Iraqi citizen felt otherwise, "Eid is wonderful if you have a large social circle - for me and my husband the holidays become an excuse to rest and sleep. We barely go outdoors and miss our home country a lot during this time."

"Indeed, it is the love of family and our children that keeps us going - on Eid and even otherwise," asserted Suraya Sulay Sapanta, a Filipino staff nurse at a clinic in Dubai. "I am relatively new to this place but over the past months, my team of colleagues has become my family away from home. Last year on Eid, my husband and I were lucky to have our son visit the country. It was very special to have him with us, not just during the festivities and mealtime but also during the prayers. I will miss him a lot this time."

As a home away from home for the many expatriates in Dubai, the inaugural edition of 'Eid in Dubai' is something that they can look forward to.

National Bonds is the founder sponsor of 'Eid in Dubai' and the event is supported by wasl, the asset management group owned by Dubai Real Estate Corporation. ARY Exclusive, Dubai Festival City, Emirates Airline, and Dubai World Trade Centre are the key sponsors. The Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) and the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) will also be associated with 'Eid in Dubai'.