UAE’s Eid ‘up to the next level’: Residents celebrate in full force now that Covid is no longer a concern – News

Families plan celebrations and reunions throughout the holiday season, with many driving across the UAE to reunite with loved ones

Streets, malls and homes in the UAE were buzzing on Friday as families gathered for Eid al-Fitr.

With the low-key celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic over, residents are in high spirits and embracing a sense of normalcy.

Soon after, the festivities began. Some residents chose to celebrate at home, while others resorted to holidays and sumptuous dinners at their favorite restaurants — but for everyone, the day was about family.

Sharjah resident Hozefa A said everyone in her family got up early this morning.

“We went to the Sharjah Mosque to pray. Then, as we do every year, we had a food gathering at the mosque where Sheer-qorma was served as it was specially prepared for this time. After that, I joined my family Stay in Abu Dhabi,” she said.

Shukri Deria, an American expatriate originally from Somalia, had to prepare a last-minute Eid surprise for her children because she thought the holiday would fall on a Saturday.

“I wasn’t ready. I didn’t wrap presents last night. So, instead, we decided to do a scavenger hunt. I put some clues on post-it notes, and the kids went looking for it,” she said.

The expat added that they were packed for the rest of the day. “My daughter and I went to a salon this morning and it was crazy. So, we decided not to do the hair we originally planned. Some non-Muslim friends are doing a movie, so we’ll go and join them. A traditional lunch at my brother’s house. So, we’ll do it. Later, we’ll probably drive to Dubai, where they’re having a Somali party in a park.”

It doesn’t end there, though, as there’s a long list of to-dos planned for tomorrow. “We had three different outfits, three celebrations, so it was a fun time,” she said.

Deria took it a step further and prepared two large trays of chocolate for her children to bring to school on Monday. Not only that, but she packed boxes of Somali halwa (dessert) for the children’s Islamic and Arabic teachers.

Malaysian resident Adilatul Salmiah Abdulla is celebrating her last Eid in the UAE as she flies back home for good in July.

“The past eight years in the UAE have been very special to us. Eid al-Fitr in particular has been phenomenal. It’s really a time of year to celebrate. My family and I have had a great time here, especially During Eid, some good memories were created.”

“We are moving back in a few months and we are currently living in a serviced apartment. I usually organize an ‘open house’ on the first day of Eid. But as I have limited equipment here, I can’t make it my way Cooking used to be done at home,” adds Adilatul.

However, she managed to deliver some delicious Malaysian-inspired Hari Raya food to 16 families.

“I am ready Laksa This is a spicy noodle dish that is very popular in our country. I have invitations to ‘open houses’ in six places today and I will try to attend as many as possible with my family. “

Elderly Anjum Siddiqui and his wife Chaman Siddiqui made a special trip to Dubai for Eid. Both of their children live in the emirate, so they don’t go on vacation without seeing them.

“Eid al-Fitr is a great time to celebrate and be with loved ones. However, since both of my children are settled in Dubai (my daughter and her family moved here recently), we decided to come here to celebrate the festival.”

Anjum said the festivities in Dubai were “a step up” compared to what is usually celebrated in India.

“Here we start celebrating with early morning prayers when all of us, including all the women in the family, say Eid prayers together. I do Eid prayers with my son, grandson, daughter, daughter-in-law and I feel very Excited and their children. The feeling of happiness is indescribable. How lucky we are to celebrate Eid in this country not only with our family and relatives, but also with people of many different nationalities.

“This is one of those precious moments that I will always cherish. Eid is all about being with family, loved ones and I am so grateful to Allah for giving us these precious moments.”

A hearty Eid lunch – including an extended one – was prepared for the family, he said.

“I get to meet all my relatives, which is a rare thing considering everyone’s busy lives. Besides making traditional sweets like Sewaiyan, biryani and kebabs, my daughter adds a chat The corners give it an Indian flair. In the evening, my brother also throws a big Eid dinner for the whole family. So, my wife Chaman and I had a great time. “