Eid Al Fitr is a special time for Muslims all around the world, marking the end of Ramadan.
During Eid, Muslims tend to spend time with friends and family, sometimes dressing up in new clothes for the Eid prayer. There is also a lovely custom of exchanging greetings with people, spreading positive vibes throughout the community.
Learning about the two Eids
There are actually two Eid holidays each year: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
Eid Al Fitr is a key event in the Islamic calendar and a time of great celebration for Muslims everywhere. It marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, which is the tenth month in the lunar Islamic calendar.
The second Eid is Eid Al Adha. This happens later in the year, after the Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj, lasting 4 days and starting on the tenth day of Dhu Al Hijjah, which is the twelfth and final month of the lunar Islamic calendar.
When is Eid this year?
Each year, on the eve of the 30th day of Ramadan, the moon-sighting committee reconvenes and if they glimpse the new moon, the following morning is announced as the first day of Eid Al-Fitr.
In 2020, the break is expected to begin on Tuesday 4th June, depending on the moon sighting. It will last for 3 days, which could mean a 5 day weekend for people who get Friday and Saturday off work! And the good news is that the UAE government is declaring a public holiday for both public and private sector officials to mark the occasion.
So, with Eid Al Fitr 2020 is set to last a whopping 4 days, what better opportunity to take some time out and explore Dubai? Here are some ideas on things to get up to over the holiday.
See out Ramadan with a bang
Every year the Dubai Festival City puts on an incredible show for Eid, with an exclusive programme of celebrations. The focus is always the astounding fireworks display – with accompanying music – which everyone can watch for free, starting from 9 pm. You can find out more via the Visit Dubai website as the holiday approaches.
Shop ‘til you drop!
Dubai’s malls and souks offer incredible sales for Eid and often launch unique fashion collections and edits by way of celebration.
Often there are 24 hour “mega sales” with discounts of up to 90% off. It’s a great time to pick up a bargain or three, but promotions are often announced at the last minute to be sure to keep your eyes peeled as Eid approaches!
Let your hair down
Dubai is a paradise for adrenaline junkies, with a host of famous theme parks, including Dubai Parks and Resorts, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Hub Zero, LEGOLAND and some amazing water parks. If escape rooms are your thing – or if you just fancy trying something a bit different – check out Escape Hunt Dubai.
Theme parks are great for family days out, but for those seeking something a little more chilled and refined, try Riverland Dubai. This exclusive dining and retail destination has so much to offer.
Indulge your taste buds
Eid Al Fitr means “the festival of breaking the fast”, and food is a big part of the experience. Families all over the emirate will be getting together to share home-cooked meals.
If you fancy getting someone to do the cooking for you, why not visit one of Dubai’s many restaurants and hotels? This handy guide from Time Out curates the best restaurants, cafés, breakfasts, brunches, bars and pubs in Dubai in 2020. Sure, there are some world-leading culinary experiences to be had in our city with prices to match, but there is also a range of cheaper options for those on a budget.
Get away from it all
WIth a four day holiday in the works, it makes sense to think about a trip aboard. Dubai is so well positioned to give you access to a range of exotic destinations.
Why not get some well-deserved rest by jumping on a flight and hanging on the beach in Goa? Or, if you’re looking for something a bit closer to home, you could pack up the car and head for a road trip to see the incredible scenery of the Musandam Peninsula in Oman, only a few hours’ drive away.
Keep it simple
Perhaps the best way to get into the spirit of Eid is simply to wish everyone you meet an “Eid Mubarak”, or “blessed Eid”. It feels great, and it’s free!
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