Eid Al Adha 2024: Your Passport to Joyous Celebrations in the UAE

Are you looking to celebrate Eid al Adha in 2024? It is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar. With a long public holiday, family and friends come to celebrate and have fun. They dress up in new clothes and cook traditional dishes. Let us look at the top activities to do in the UAE over the holiday weekend.

Eid Al Adha 2024 Date:

Eid Al Adha will be celebrated from June 16 to June 18, 2024. The date is determined based on moon sighting. This means June in Dubai will be decorated with lights and festive decorations that give you another reason to enjoy the beginning of the low season.

Eid Al Adha is celebrated for three consecutive days. This day falls on the twelfth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar and the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca ends on this day.

Eid Al Adha - An Overview

Eid al-Adha is also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”. Custom has it that it honours Ibrahim’s (Abraham) readiness to offer his son as a sacrifice in response to God’s (Allah) instruction. Allah appeared in the dream of Ibrahim. He commanded him to give a test of faith by sacrificing his son (Ismail). To avoid seeing his son during the sacrifice, Ibrahim blindfolded himself. God stepped in and provided a sheep as a sacrifice in place of his son before he could finish the act.

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Why Visit Dubai in Eid Al Adha:

Eid Bazaars
Feasts
Firework Displays
Laser Shows

Things to do in UAE During Eid Al Adha:

1) Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and an icon of Islamic culture. The domes in pure white marble cladding decorated with gold-glass mosaic is a noticeable element of the mosque. The highlight of the mosque is the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet and chandeliers embedded with Swarovski crystals and 24-carat gold.

2) Feast in Traditional Emirati Dishes

Eid is a time to feast on traditional food. Biryani (rice with spices, meat, and vegetables), Kebabs (Shami, seekh, and Chapli), and Sheer Khurma (a sweet dish made with vermicelli, milk, and sugar) are some popular traditional dishes prepared during Eid.

3) See a La Perle by Dragone Show

La Perle is a spectacular live show that blends creative acts and technology. Be amazed by the aqua and airborne feats performed by the artists. Each show lasts 90 minutes. You can try the venue’s many dining options, such as Sora by Neera, Il Pastaio, and Babiole. Visitors must dress in sophisticated casual attire.

4) Watch the Amazing Fireworks

Eid Al Adha festivities are incomplete without watching a spectacular fireworks show. Plan your visit to the Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Festival City Mall to enjoy the mesmerizing fireworks. Do not forget to watch the Imagine Show, featuring water, lights, lasers, fire, and visual effects at Dubai Festival City. Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi and Marsana, the waterfront promenade on Hudayriyat Island, hosts spectacular firework displays.

5) Experience Arabian Nights in Madinat Jumeirah

On Eid Al Adha, visit the Arabian wonderland of Souk Madinat Jumeirah for unforgettable Arabian Nights. The streets bustle with vendors selling local crafts, tunes from bagpipes, falconry displays, and traditional food.

6) Explore Traditional Souks

Venture into the heart of Old Dubai to explore the traditional souks, which come alive with festive decorations and activities during Eid Al Adha. From the aromatic spice markets to the glittering gold souks, experience the charm of these bustling marketplaces while shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts.

7) Take a Dhow Cruise

A Dhow Cruise in Dubai will take you on a fantastic adventure. Set sail in a traditional wooden dhow around the calm waters of Dubai Creek or the Dubai Marina. As you cruise along, revel in the enchanting atmosphere created by live music, traditional dance performances, and a delectable feast of Middle Eastern cuisine. The Dhow Cruise experience transports you to a bygone era.

8) Attend Exclusive Eid Events at Theme Parks

The UAE is home to world-class theme parks and many hosts special activities during Eid Al Adha. Whether it is enjoying adrenaline-pumping rides at Ferrari World, meeting your favourite characters at IMG Worlds of Adventure, or cooling off at Yas Waterworld, the theme parks offer an exciting and family-friendly way to celebrate the festivities.

9) Shop to your Heart's Content

Malls across the UAE offer fabulous discounts and deals on clothing, electronics, fragrances, footwear, etc. They have live entertainment for guests.

10) Celebrate Eid at Ferrari World Theme Park

Celebrate Eid at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi for an exhilarating experience! Families and friends can soak in the festive atmosphere while enjoying thrilling roller coasters, high-tech simulators, and heart-pounding attractions Ferrari World is famous for. Kids love shopping for souvenirs for keep-sake.

11) Book a Staycation

Book a stay at one of the UAE’s luxurious resorts. Many hotels offer special Eid packages, including spa treatments, gourmet dining experiences, and exclusive entertainment. Unwind by the pool, pamper yourself with rejuvenating spa therapies, and bask in the luxury of the UAE’s world-class hospitality.

12) Attend Traditional Ayala Dance Performances

Immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of the darbuka drum and the elegant movements of the women performing the Ayala dance. Many venues host live Ayala dance performances during Eid Al Adha.

13) Discover the Hajar Mountains

Take a day trip to the Hajar Mountains for an exciting vacation. This mountain range is located in the eastern region of the UAE. Discover charming villages, stroll gorgeous paths, and take in panoramic views of nearby valleys. During the holiday season, this getaway provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Conclusion

Eid Al Adha is a perfect time to plan a vacation to various destinations in the UAE. Immerse in the rituals, taste Arabic cuisine, visit the marketplaces and create memorable moments with your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What happens to meat after it is sacrificed?

The meat of the animal (cow, lamb, or goat) is divided into three potions. One for the family making the sacrifice, one portion for the relatives, and one is distributed to the poor.

2. How do Muslims celebrate Eid Al Adha?

Visiting the mosque, dressing in new clothes, decorating their homes, sacrificing an animal, and donating to charity are ways in which Muslims celebrate Eid Al Adha.

3. For how many days is Eid Al Adha celebrated?

Eid Al Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, is celebrated for three or four days. It depends on the Islamic Lunar Calendar and the sighting of the crescent moon.

4. What are Eid Bazaars?

Traditional Eid Al Adha tents and bazaars are set up across the UAE. These bazaars have stalls selling clothes, cosmetics, handicrafts, perfumes, sweets, electronic goods, and many more.

5. Where to celebrate Eid Al Adha in the UAE?

The places where you can celebrate Eid Al Adha in the UAE are Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Seef, Abu Dhabi Summer Shopping Season, Dubai Festival City, Yas Mall, Makani Al Ain Mall, Al Naeem Mall, and The Galleria Al Maryah Island.

Top things to do for Eid Al Adha 2024 in UAE