Eid al-Adha weekend in the UAE: Fantastic ways to celebrate in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah

Dubai: With just a few days left until the long weekend, with the kids heading home for the summer holidays, it’s crucial to plan each day’s celebrations carefully.

The UAE is hosting some Eid special events and celebrations that deserve a spot in your long weekend calendar. From concerts and live shows to bargain shopping and neighborhood markets, there’s plenty to see and do.

In Dubai, head to Dubai Parks and Resorts, which celebrates Eid al-Adha with five days of fireworks displays. Entry to Riverland Dubai is free, so all you have to do is get there and enjoy the show for free. Showings will be open at 9pm daily from June 27th to July 1st.

Dubai Festival City Mall is expecting a spectacular fireworks display on the second night of Eid al-Fitr on 29 June. Then, don’t forget to catch the Imagine Show, a regular record-breaking show featuring lasers, lights, water, fire and visuals from Dubai Festival City.

For Abu Dhabi residents, Yas Bay will host a fireworks display at 9pm every day from June 28 to 30. Marsana, the seaside promenade on Hudayriyat island, will also host a special Eid firework display on June 29 at 9pm.

Take your kids to OliOli to explore Dino Quest. Kids will explore the history of dinosaurs, create and take home their own unique fossils, and even dig for dinosaur bones.

IMG Worlds of Adventure’s Summerfest mega-celebration runs from June 24 to September 30 and promises a fun-filled Eid celebration that includes a PUBG MOBILE experience. In addition to meet and greets, guests will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with IMG’s dinosaurs, roaming phoenixes, fairy wings and mirror men for the perfect selfie. There will also be a parade of IMG characters featuring interactive dance moves.

Dubai’s Souk Al Marfa will host a five-day festival over the Eid al-Adha weekend. In the hot summer, shopping in the fully air-conditioned indoor market, shoppers do not need to worry about shopping fatigue. Located in the Dubai archipelago, the festival will offer fun performances and arts and crafts workshops for young children. There will also be major shopping discounts.

Dubai’s Festival Plaza has also announced a series of exciting entertainment and events for Eid al-Adha from 28 June to 1 July. From TikTok dancers and circus acts to roaming magicians and kids’ workshops, this destination is all about kids—friendly activities throughout the long weekend.

Internationally acclaimed American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer Kid Ink and Saudi American hip-hop rapper $kinny will perform live at Black in Soho Garden Meydan on June 28-29. Tickets cost AED 200 and are available at the door.

Social Distrikt at The Pointe will feature live performances from Arab stars Noel Kharman and Harget Kart. Popular band Harget Kart will perform live on 29 June from 9pm, with tickets starting from AED 120 per person, including a free drink.

Raks w Faksh’s party in partnership with Disco Misr continues every Saturday from 10pm to 3am, featuring retro Arabic music from the 90s to 2000s. Tickets are priced at AED 100 per person.

From June 28th to 30th, visitors to Al Heera Beach can catch daily performances. On June 28, the Liwa Band will perform four shows between 6pm and 9.30pm, along with acrobatics. On June 29, the Al Madhyama Band will present four shows as well as a mobile robot show that will spark young imaginations. On the last day of Eid al-Fitr on 30 June, Al Harbiya will perform four performances alongside a chair balancing show.

With the re-opening of the Sharjah Musical Fountain at Al Majaz Waterfront, families and tourists looking to immerse themselves in the folklore and traditions associated with Eid al-Adha can head to Al Qasba and Al Majaz Waterfront. Traditional bands such as Al Harbiya (June 28), Al Madhyama (June 29) and Liwa (June 30) will perform lively pop songs, with two performances scheduled each day.

Shows at Al Qasba will be at 6pm and 7pm, while shows at Al Majaz Waterfront will be at 8.30pm and 9.30pm. In addition, children will enjoy a play called “Atrasa” with the “Modern Theater” band, which emphasizes the importance of time in our daily lives and how it can be used to achieve our goals. Performances will be held at the Al Qasba Theater on the second, third and fourth days of Eid at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Those celebrating Eid al-Adha in the picturesque eastern town of Khorfakkan can head to the town’s tranquil beach to watch Al Harbiya perform from 6pm to 9.30pm on June 28-30 of three performances. Special performances include Beach Man on 28 June and Mirrors on June 29 and Comedy Duo on 30 June. There will also be three screenings at 5.30pm, 6.45pm and 9pm respectively.

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi will kick off Eid celebrations this weekend (22 June – 1 July) with live entertainment and a range of activities at the town square, including arts and crafts for children, Java comics and Henna art. Musicians will entertain shoppers and create a glamorous atmosphere with live oud music and energetic DJs. There will also be Ayallah performances, while traditional Harbeyah dancers will perform three times a day.

Galleria Al Maryah Island will feature an Eid play area as part of its kid-friendly Eid activities. The themed play area will be open to visitors this weekend (June 23rd to July 1st).

Deerfields Mall will be entertaining the kids with a puppet show during the Hari Raya celebrations. The show will be split into two 30-minute sessions, offering families ample opportunity to watch and participate in the magic.

From June 27, consumers can enjoy an extraordinary shopping feast of up to 90% discount in various stores. Mall hours have been extended until 1am, while restaurants remain open until 2am. In addition, visitors can enjoy engaging performances, cultural events and engaging children’s workshops.

For residents of Ras Al Khaimah, shopping and fun Eid events can be enjoyed at Al Naeem Mall. Free activities will keep your kids engaged when you take advantage of deep discounts. Free events at the venue include traditional henna painting, balloon bending, face painting, DIY playdough counters and a mascot parade.