With Eid Al Adha set to fall on Tuesday October 14 this year, the city’s public sector are gearing up for three days off, while the private sector could get double that. Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice (the holiday itself signifies the dedication of Prophet Abraham, who offered his first-born son for sacrifice only to be presented with a lamb in the boy’s place for his loyalty) it is traditionally celebrated among Muslim families with a great feast. Read on for our pick of events and offers in the city, as well as local breaks and mini-escapes abroad.
Family days out
KidsFest Abu Dhabi
October 15-19
For many Eid is a family event where generations come together to spend time in each other’s company and enjoy the break from working life. And for families with young children, this often means entertaining the kids by taking them out and about to explore the amusements being laid on throughout the city.
If that sounds like something of a struggle don’t worry, because Zayed Sports City’s KidsFest 2013 will cover all of your child-friendly needs in one convenient location.
Running from October 15-19, KidsFest is bringing live shows, sports, art and crafts and rides to the capital, all planned for kids of any age to enjoy.
Street performers will bring the fun of the circus to each day, and entertainment shows running throughout will captivate younger children. For the older kids rugby and football clinics are available, as well as an obstacle course, tennis courts and ten pin bowling for all the family.
Two competitions, Abu Dhabi’s Fittest Kid and KidsFest Talent, will also run throughout the week, so for children who think they’ve got what it takes it’s time to start practicing.
Best For: Families with young children.
Zayed Sports City, www.kidsfestabudhabi.com.
Slide into Yas Waterworld
If the midday sun is still too strong for you, why not head to Yas Waterworld for a fun-filled day at the capital’s biggest water park.
Some rides are closed for maintenance but you can still expect the park to be packed across the Eid break as families flock to Yas to get out of the heat and into the pools for some of the best fun that can had anywhere in Abu Dhabi.
The park is open from 10am-7pm, giving you plenty of time to get round and see everything there is on offer. Thursday evenings are also ladies’ nights, with women only gaining access to the water park.
Best for: Beating the heat.
www.yaswaterworld.com
Stay in a capital hotel
Abu Dhabi does hotels like no other city in the world, so if you fancy doing something special over the break you don’t have to look overseas. Some of our recommendations are:
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi. Grand Canal
The Intrigue You package, offers two nights, buffet breakfast in Giornotte restaurant, plus access to the 1,600-square meter swimming pool, private beach and Ritz Kids Club.
Best For: A short family break.
From Dhs950 per room per night. Valid until December 31 (02 818 8181).
Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi
This Eid package is a getaway for couples, and includes one night in a deluxe room, Dhs500 towards dinner at Amici Restaurant, buffet breakfast and access to Yas Beach.
Best for: Couples who want to escape for the weekend.
From Dhs1,415. Valid October 14-18. Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi (02 656 0700).
The Mafraq Hotel
A stone’s throw from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, the Mafraq’s package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Olive Branch restaurant, including four free selected beverages and unlimited soft drinks.
Best for: Proximity to attractions.
From Dhs399 per person. Valid October 10-19. www.mafraqhotel.com (02 659 6666).
Further afield…
But of course if you truly want to spend this Eid away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, then a vacation abroad could be the way to go. Pack your bags and take advantage of Abu Dhabi’s proximity to some exciting travel hubs just a short journey over land or sea.
Stay at the W Doha
Check in to the super-stylish W Doha Hotel & Residences in the Qatari capital. This package features early check in and late check out, access to the VVIP lounge for breakfast and a range of discounts – including a 20 percent discount on all food orders within the hotel.
Best for: The VIP treatment.
From Dhs906 per room per night. Valid October 10-19. W Doha Hotel & Residences, Doha, Qatar, www.whotels.com (+974 4453 5343).
Kick back in Cyprus
Dnata are offering Eid breaks to Cyprus with a special offer where if you book three nights at a five star hotel you will automatically receive an upgrade to a deluxe room with a sea view, as well as receiving as a night’s stay in a pool or garden view room, daily breakfast and airport transfers.
Best for: A more temperate climate.
Dhs3,745 (including flights). From October 10-31. www.dnatatravel.com (05 316 6666).
Try yoga in Sri Lanka
Head off from the UAE with fellow yogis for sun, sand and stretching on this rejuvenating expedition, with vinyasa flow and hatha yoga classes held twice each day. Attendees must arrange and pay for flights separately.
Best for: A spiritual awakening.
Accommodation and classes Dhs1,800 October 11-19, Dhs1,430 October 14-19. www.facebook.com/myyogaway.
Escape to the Seychelles
If you fancy forking out on for a posh holiday, the sumptuous five-star Hilton Northolme in the Seychelles is offering an extra night free if you book for three nights. The price also includes breakfast and transport to and from the airport.
Best for: Idyllic beachcombers.
Dhs4,960 per person (not including flights). From October 10-31. Hilton Northolme, Maha (+248 429 9000).
Hot foot it to Ho Chi Minh
Teeming with colourful markets and interesting shops, and just a short distance away from the Cu Chi tunnels, which were built by the Viet Cong during the war with America, Ho Chi Minh has plenty to keep you occupied for the few days of Eid.
Best for: Education and culture lovers.
From Dhs5,420 per person, October 11-15, www.emiratesholidays.ae (800 5252).
