What is Eid-al Fitr?
First things first, Eid al-Fitr is not to be confused with Eid al-Adha. The latter (which means the Festival of Sacrifice) commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. This year, Eid al-Adha will take place in November.
Eid al-Fitr means the Festival of Purification. It marks the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan. Like all dates in the Islamic calendar, it is based on lunar cycles so does not have a set date. This year, it is predicted to start on either September 10 or 11, but isn’t finally decided upon until the new moon is visible in the night’s sky. Expect the start of the festival to be announced at the last minute.
As Ramadan is a time of fasting, self reflection and empathy with the impoverished people of the world, Eid is a time for Muslims to celebrate after a month of piety.
Different Arabic cultures have slightly different traditions. As Abu Dhabi’s expat Muslim population hails from numerous countries, celebrations won’t all be the same. But there are some common practices.
Generally, on the first morning of Eid Muslims will have a small breakfast to signify that the period of fasting is finished. Then, putting on new clothes (if possible), they head to the Mosque for Eid prayers. After this, some will head to the cemetery to pray for the souls of the departed. Only then will the festivities begin in earnest. People will gather at their homes, restaurants or parks for huge bashes that will go on into the early hours. It’s also an exciting time for kids. As well as receiving gifts from their family, some go round to homes in the area, collecting gifts or money from neighbours.
Here in the UAE, the festival is a national holiday, so although the major malls will be open for some of the time, you can expect many smaller shops to have a closed sign hanging in the door. As Ramadan is over, it’s acceptable to eat, drink or smoke in public again. Also, changes in opening hours and restrictions on live music are ceased. As Eid comes to an end, the capital’s party season begins.
Staycation breaks
If you’ve left it too late to book your Eid getaway, don’t worry – there’s still hope. Plenty of hotels across the capital are offering special Eid packages, so here’s a roundup of the best…
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
Why? One of the most decadent and luxurious hotels in the city, when it comes to quality food and beverage outlets, Shangri-La has it all. And throughout Eid, you’ll get 50 per cent off room rates here, as well as at the nearby Traders Hotel.
What’s happening? The Sofra Bld international buffet restaurant will be the centre of the hotel’s Eid celebrations. During the three days of festivities, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the finest spreads in the city, including a live seafood station.
How much? With the discount, room rates at the Shangri-La hotel start at Dhs555 per person. The buffet is Dhs170 per person.
Between the Bridges (www.shangri-la.com; 02 555 8888).
Le Royal MÉridien
Why? Le Royal Méridien has always been a popular haunt for Emirati nationals, so there’ll be some authentic Emirati Eid parties here. And with cheap room rates, you can expect it to be packed out.
What’s happening? Brunches will start again over the weekend, including at the sky-high revolving restaurant that is Al Fanar and aboard the hotel’s own Shuja Yacht.
How much? A classic room starts from an impressively cheap Dhs350.
Al Markaziyah (www.starwoodhotels.com; 02 674 2020).
Emirates Palace
Why? Most of us have dreamt of staying at the super-opulent Emirates Palace, but it’s beyond the reach of mere mortals. During Eid, however, there’s a special room rate deal with (relatively) cheap rack rates.
What’s happening? The great and the good will be celebrating Eid at Emirates Palace. If you’re not invited (and, unless you’re a VIP, you probably won’t be) you can get involved in the spirit of things by visiting Mezlai, Abu Dhabi’s first Emirati restaurant.
How much? Dhs1,235 per night sounds like a lot, but then this is the Emirates Palace. Plus, the price includes a special Eid dinner at the fancy Le Vendome Brasserie restaurant.
Ras Al Akhdar (www.emiratespalace.com; 02 690 9000).
Beach Rotana
Why? There are few more luxurious hotels than the Beach Rotana, but if you’re planning a large family gathering, pay attention. Book a suite during Eid and you’ll get a normal room thrown in for free. Book two rooms, and you get a third free. Rock’n’roll!
What’s happening? There’ll be an Eid buffet in Rosebuds, plus normal service will be resumed in all the bars and restaurants.
How much? Rooms start at Dhs550, suites start at Dhs1,700.
Tourist Club Area (www.rotana.com; 02 697 9000).
Sheraton Abu Dhabi
Why? A prime location on the Corniche, plenty of drinks and dining deals, as well as cheap room rates sound like good enough reasons to us.
What’s happening? Activities galore. The Sheraton is starting Wii console games nights at The Tavern, giving you a chance to show you’re a virtual sports champ. Also, Il Paradiso seafood restaurant is offering a special Eid buffet with entertainment for the littl’uns.
How much? Single rooms start at Dhs500, while double rooms start at Dhs550. Eid buffet is Dhs225.
Corniche (www.sheratonabudhabihotel.com; 02 677 3333).
InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Why? As well as a stay in one of the best hotels in the capital, book two nights here and they’ll throw in a Dhs200 voucher to spend at Marina Mall, giving you a chance to buy some last minute Eid gifts. You’ll also get a Dhs200 voucher to use in the hotel’s many superb food and beverage outlets.
What’s happening? All the usual food and beverage outlets will be doing a roaring trade.
How much? Rates start from Dhs800 a night.
Al Bateen (www.ichotelsgroup.com; 02 666 6888).
Crowne Plaza Yas Island
Why? Although Yas Island might officially be within Abu Dhabi city limits, the island still has the feel of a getaway retreat.
What’s happening? During the weekend, if you buy a main course and dessert or appetiser from Stills Bar, selected drinks will set you back a paltry Dhs5. Meanwhile, brunches will resume at Jing Asia over the weekend.
How much? As a special Eid deal, a double room in the hotel will cost you Dhs499. Sounds like a bargain to us.
Yas Island (www.crownplaza.com; 02 656 3000).
Qasr Al Sarab
Why? If there’s a hotel in the UAE with a more relaxed vibe, then we haven’t visited it yet. The hotel may look like an ancient Arabian fort on the outside, but all the rooms are as modern as you can get. Surrounded by rolling sand dunes, you’ll feel completely renewed after a few days spent relaxing here.
What’s happening? As well as the obligatory Eid parties, you’ll be able to partake in the usual activities of camel rides, archery and desert treks.
How much? During Eid, if you book one night you’ll get a second night half price. Room rates start at Dhs1,400.
Liwa (www.qasralsarab.anantara.com; 02 886 2088).
What Eid means to me
Billy BrAnnan
Age: 36
Occupation: Teacher
Nationality: American
I converted to Islam about three and a half years ago, so I’m kind of learning as I go along. But Eid is a really cheery time for Muslims. The festival has a lot to do with socialising with your friends and family. As I’m American, I love barbecues, so in the evening we’ll have a big barbecue in our garden and invite all our neighbours and friends. There’s a lot of eating over the Eid festival. I think from the first morning, I’m pretty much hiding the scales! But as well as being a cheery time it’s a thankful time, too. It’s not just that we’ve finished fasting, but also that we’ve completed another Holy Month, done a lot of self reflection and so hopefully our prayers will have been heard.
Mehmet Akdeniz
Age: 31
Occupation: IT director
Nationality: Turkish
In Turkey, we make a point of visiting older people – such as uncles and grandfathers – with our children. There is a tradition that the children kiss the old people’s hands and ask for their blessing. It’s about bringing the different generations together. The children get new clothes and toys, and we try to explain to them that after Ramadan they are starting a new period in their life. For adults, what I especially like about Eid is that if people have fallen out for whatever reason during the year, it is a time to make peace with them and start afresh.
Other Eid events
Ramadan and Eid exhibition
Six halls at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre have been turned over to this huge exhibition detailing every aspect of Ramadan and Eid. Exhibitors from 18 countries are on hand selling jewellery, clothes, accessories, Arabic food and children’s toys. Over Eid, there will also be performances by traditional bands and singers.
Free. 8pm-2.30pm, until September 12. Adnec, Khaleej Al Arabi Street (02 444 6900).
Grand mosque tours
As one of the few mosques in the UAE to be open to non-Muslims, the stunning landmark that is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is worth visiting any time of year. But during Eid the mosque’s tour guides will be on hand to explain the significance of Eid to Muslims. Tours will take place at 11am on the last two days of Eid. For the first day of the festival, the mosque is only open to worshippers.
Free. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Airport Road (800 555).
