Eid al-Adha in the UAE: Some families switch from a 6-day holiday to a 9-day holiday.Here’s how – News

Some expats have left the country as most schools begin their two-month holiday after the last working day on June 26

Residents of the UAE are looking forward to enjoying the six-day holiday of Eid al-Adha, already the longest holiday of the year. However, some families in the UAE simply extend their vacation by taking an extra day off.

The family took Monday (June 26) off and combined it with the weekend, effectively turning the Eid holiday into a nine-day holiday. Some expats have already left the country as most schools start their two-month holidays after the last working day, which is tomorrow.

Egyptian diaspora Hloud.Photo: Supplied

Khloud Waleed, an Egyptian expatriate who works for a telecommunications company in the UAE, said: “I thought of taking Monday off as it was the only working day before Eid. In this way, I would have nine days off. , which I haven’t had a break before.” “For a long time, it’s important to give yourself a break so you can rejuvenate. It helps people get back to work with greater enthusiasm.”

Waleed added, “We are only staying one day at a time. But we plan to go to Abu Dhabi tomorrow to visit Ferrari World. We may stop there for a day. But I am also preparing for the fasting on Tuesday. It is a special days. I plan to spend quality time with my family during this extended holiday. It’s really at the top of my agenda.”

The idea also resonated with British expat Maxine Braddock, who has lived in the UAE for almost 14 years.

“I don’t have a job right now because Saudi Arabia is offering me a great opportunity. I’m currently going through the visa-related procedures. I’m expected to leave the country in about two-plus years,” she said – half a week. But I have to mention that if I was working, I would take Monday off for the week and only use one day off, it’s a win win situation for the staff. “

Hotels across the country are struggling to attract customers during the Eid al-Adha holiday, leading to an increase in bookings for family holiday packages. As a result, many people prefer to take a day off for a long, peaceful break.

Kazakh national Karina and her family.Photo: Supplied

Karina Shashkova, a Kazakh living in Dubai, said: “My husband has Mondays off, or maybe only works a few hours in the morning. We’ll pick up the kids from school and go straight to Atlanta. Tees Royal.”

Karina said one of her sons would have turned seven that day. “So, we thought, why not make the most of the day, celebrate his birthday and create some memorable memories for him and the whole family as the Eid holiday begins the next day? The Royal Atlantis is a New hotel, we’re excited” about the staycation. There is a water park which is perfect for summer and the kids will hopefully have fun. The home vacation deals are impressive and I got a great deal too! “

The family also reiterated that they want to make the most of their holidays and enjoy extended holidays during the Eid holidays.

Similarly, Karishma Singh, who is in India, said, “We are currently traveling. We took the day off on Monday to maximize the Eid break. Professionally, this time It’s relatively calm for me.” Also, my son was going to miss school that day, which happened to be the last day of term, so I thought it was okay. I am currently visiting my brother and sister-in-law in Mumbai and then my son and sister-in-law I am going to Delhi to meet my parents who haven’t had a chance to see him for a long time. “

She added: “As parents age, they cannot always travel for health reasons. But I feel strongly that grandparents play a unique and important role in the lives of their grandchildren, providing them with love and wisdom .So, my son has been taking care of them too.” Looking forward to the trip and bonding with them during these holidays. “