As the much-awaited 4-day long weekend approaches, The Filipino Times brings you a diverse range of unique and exciting ways to mark Eid Al-Fitr in the UAE. Discover the cultural richness of this tradition through this comprehensive guide.
After almost three years of navigating through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, UAE citizens, expats, and visitors are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr celebration. This year’s festivities hold special significance as it marks the first time in nearly three years that people can come together without restrictions on mobility and social gatherings. The joyous atmosphere and sense of togetherness are expected to be amplified as families and friends reunite to celebrate this auspicious occasion in full spirit.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced that the Eid Al Fitr holiday this year for public sector workers in the UAE will commence on Thursday, April 20.
According to a FAGHR statement carried by Emirates News Agency WAM, “the holiday will begin on 29th Ramadan and continue until 3rd Shawwal 1444 H for federal entities in the country.”
The duration of the Eid holiday will depend on the duration of Ramadan, which may last either 29 or 30 days.
If Ramadan lasts for 29 days, the holiday may extend until Sunday, April 23. On the other hand, if the holy month is 30 days, the break may continue until Monday, April 24, providing employees with a five-day break.
With Eid just a few days away, our Filipino Muslim brothers and sisters and Muslims at heart look forward to the long weekend of breaking the fast.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor to the UAE, this festive occasion offers a chance to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. To help you make the most of this special time, The Filipino Times has curated a diverse range of unique and exciting ways to mark Eid Al-Fitr.
Breaking the fast
Eid Al Fitr, also known as the festival of breaking the fast, marks the end of the month-long fasts of Ramadan and the feast day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
Filipinos in the UAE celebrate the feast in different ways, but with the same reverence for our Muslim brothers and sisters.
For Jamilah Al Ali, a Filipina-Arab, celebrating Eid Al Fitr is a beautiful mix of cultural and religious traditions.
In an interview with The Filipino Times (TFT), Al Ali shared: “Our family prepares for the festive occasion by cleaning the house and making traditional dishes. We attend morning prayers at the mosque dressed in our best clothes, then head out to visit friends and family to exchange greetings of ‘Eid Mubarak!’ while enjoying some delicious food along the way. At home, as the sun sets, we gather with loved ones once again for another feast before wrapping up the day with fireworks display. It’s a time filled with love, joy, and connection that always leaves me feeling grateful for my unique heritage.”
Meanwhile, Ruby Aboabid, a Filipina Muslim at heart, observes Eid Al Fitr with her husband Kamal. Despite their busy schedule, she ensures to join Kamal in commemorating this feast.
“Not just because I am married with a Muslim man that I celebrate Eid, but because this country has been my home for a decade. I already adopted the feeling of being excited every celebration of Eid as if I am one of our Muslim brothers and sisters here in the UAE,” Aboabid said.
She believes that the essence of Eid is respecting the traditions and learning how to enjoy each moment regardless of religion.
Essence of Eid
Eid Al Fitr is a time of spiritual, social, and cultural significance to the Muslim community. Its significance is multifaceted and deep.
According to Brother Yahya Maquiran of the Dar Al Ber Society and Islamic Information Center: “Eid, in Islam, is a day of joy, thanksgiving, worship, brotherhood, solidarity, and morality. A Muslim should take the advantage of this day to bring himself nearer to Allah, the Most High.”
“Eid Al Fitr is a special day of happiness from Allah Ta’ala as a reward for the worship and fasts we kept during the blessed month of Ramadhan. It is a day to be happy and a day to eat. So much so that it is forbidden to fast on the day of Eid,” Maquiran added during an online interview with TFT.
Al Ali said that Eid has always been a time of celebration and joy. For her, the significance of the holiday lies not only in the religious observance, but also in the chance to reunite with family and friends.
“Growing up, I always looked forward to Eid as a time to dress up in new clothes, share delicious meals with loved ones, and exchange gifts. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate even more deeply the sense of community and connection that comes with this holiday. Eid Al Fitr reminds me of the importance of gratitude, generosity, and compassion, values that are central to both my faith and my sense of self,” she noted.
Where to celebrate
This year residents can take advantage of the citywide ‘Eid in Dubai’ festival, offers great deals across several malls. It follows the emirate’s ‘Ramadan in Dubai’ festivities, which include iftars and suhoors, Ramadan markets, festive citywide lighting, and retail offers. Both events are curated by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.
In addition, Expo City Dubai is hosting the ‘Hai Ramadan’ fest, which gives visitors a variety of regional cuisine, live entertainment, and a slew of activities and workshops for kids and adults.
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is hosting a ‘Ramadan and Eid Festival 2023’ from March 27 to April 20. The event will bring guests an exciting combination of traditional food, shopping, and games.
From April 5 to 21, Sharjah’s ‘Ramadan Nights 2023’ event where visitors will have the chance to enjoy major discounts, attractive offers, and great prizes while participating in cultural and artistic programmes and entertainment and sampling a selection of local, Arab, and international delicacies. During the Holy Month, Ramadan Nights 2023 will be open to visitors daily from 5 pm to 1 am and from 3 pm to midnight during Eid Al Fitr.
Moreover, Maquiran said he will be conducting daily classes before Iftar, which is open for everyone. On April 15 and 16, he will hold a lecture at Expo City and Ajman respectively.
