Eid celebrations in UAE

The celebrations of Eid Al Adha are already in full swing, and whether you want to spend it with the family in a shopping mall or spend quality time with the family, the list of activities across the nation is an endless one. From the savvy fashionista to the motherly homemaker, the number of Eid activities will continue for the next week – enabling everyone to make the most of the long weekend and take the time to do all those things that you otherwise might not have the time to fit in into your busy schedule. Instead of watching a recorded video of fireworks from your television set, why not jet down and watch the real deal at Jumeirah Open Beach in Umm Suqueim 2. The annual fireworks show commences at 9pm daily from October 15 to 18. In addition, from October 10 to 19, the open beach will also come alive with water-based games, activities and live shows every day from 10am to 9pm. For those living in the northern emirates, Eid Al Adha celebrations are on at Al Qasba from October 15 to 19 starting with a fireworks show. Activities also include the animated Pingu show, fighting zones section for kids at the ice rink, a 3D photo booth section and arts and crafts, which is open from 5pm-11pm. The Sharjah Fountain at Al Majaz Waterfront will be open for three exclusive days during Eid, with the first show starting at 8pm and the second show at 9pm. Holiday celebrations in the UAE will not be the same if shopping bonanzas are not included, and this year has certainly put the cherry on the cake when Dubai announced that eight shopping malls will be open for 24 hours on the first two days of Eid Al Adha. The malls that are participating in the ‘Dubai 24 hours' initiative are The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Festival City Mall, Oasis Centre, Arabian Centre and Lamcy Plaza. These malls will also offer extended shopping hours during the rest of the week from 10am to 2am, and dining hours until 3am. The second season of Fashion Forward will be taking place at Madinat Jumeirah, where fashion fans can look forward to a series of fashion-themed talks, panels and workshops. This event will feature the region's most established and emerging designers as well as some of the leading fashion icons in the UAE. The event aims to develop a dynamic, sustainable fashion platform for the Middle East. For families who want to get away from the malls and interact with animals and wildlife, the Dubai Dolphinarium will host more daily shows in addition to the ‘Legend of the Mermaid' show which kicked off on October 1, and will run throughout the 10-day Eid in Dubai celebrations. Global Village will have all of its pavilions and attractions open for the Eid Al Adha Festival from October 10-19, with extended opening hours from 4pm-2am throughout the Eid season and hours extended to 3am on the first and second day of Eid. For sport enthusiasts, the Hamdan Sports Complex will be open during Eid as they compete in the fourth round of the Fina Swimming World Cup 2013, on October 17-18. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) will be hosting the Eid Shopping Festival - a shopping fair for readymade garments, abayas, silks and cashmere shawls, paintings and artefacts. It opens on Wednesday and goes on until October 17 from 4pm to midnight daily. EidFest Abu Dhabi, the official organisers are bringing a number of shows including two purpose-built stages on Abu Dhabi Corniche which will feature street acts, an Eid market and a Heritage Zone showcasing everything from hand-painting to traditional ayala dancing. Meanwhile in Fujairah, the Exhibition Centre started hosting a range of activities that will run until October 13, featuring items such as readymade garments, perfumes, cosmetics, shoes, handbags and toys and much more. The activities run from 10am to 1pm and from 5pm to 12 midnight. Source: Gulf News