Muslims around the world are preparing for one of the most important holidays in the religious calendar, Eid Al Fitr, or the Sugar Feast. In Dubai, Non-Muslims can join their friends and neighbors and share their festive spirit and happiness by participating in the different activities, and taste the holiday meals. Even if you are in the UAE for the first time and experiencing Eid for the first time, you will easily blend in and enjoy the time by following our basic Eid Al Fitr guide for expats.[wpsr_retweet]
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Eid is celebrated by more than 2 billion people around the world as one of the most important holidays in Islam. It marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting and prayer, and means “festival of breaking the fast” in Arabic. Also known as Bayram, the Sugar Feast or the Sweet Festival, Eid is associated with gift giving, big family gatherings, dressing up in new clothes, eating holiday dishes and sweets. Unlike Ramadan, Eid is a celebration, so it’s meant to be colourful, filled with fun and entertainment. This year it falls on Monday, 28th July and for government workers and those employed in the public sector it means a long, 6-day holiday. Whether working on not, everybody will be celebrating, giving and receiving gifts, charity donating, and greeting each other with “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid!).
How is it celebrated in the UAE?
Traditionally, people visit their friends and relatives, participate in some kind of charity initiative, wear their newest clothes and attend musical and cultural shows and entertainment programmes. Because of the holiday food and the custom of giving gifts, Eid is also associated with lots of shopping. Men will search for expensive jewelry and perfumes for their wives, mothers and sisters, while for ladies, this is even a more special time, so they often indulge in beauty procedures, shopping for fashionable items, and so on. But it is kids, who usually wait for Eid the whole year – it’s time for candy after all!
How can expats be part of the Eid celebration?
Ramadan is usually a tough time for non-Muslims in the UAE (as they don’t fast), but during Eid, they are welcome in every house, at every table. In order to be a real part of the community, you should consider marking the holiday yourself, even if you aren’t a religious or a very spiritual person. All your Muslim friends, co-workers and neighbors will appreciate that you show your respect to their traditions.
- Read more: How to Save on Eid Al Fitr Shopping
What can you do?
Well, a lot of things – learn how to respond to the holiday greetings; then you can give little presents to the people around you. You don’t have to spend a large sum – a home-made cake, chocolate muffins, or just a simple greeting card will be enough. A popular custom for women is getting a Henna tattoos, so try it and you will certainly love it! Don’t miss out on the large variety of delicious Eid delicacies – taste each and every one to get to know the local cuisine better, but don’t overindulge! Arab meals may be a lot spicier than you think.
One of the most important activities on Eid (that continues from Ramadan) is offering charity and your help. It’s a common custom to give away your old, unwanted clothes or food. Surprisingly, offering cash to kids and poorer people is also a common tradition, so you can just stand outside the mosque and make donations. This act of giving is one of the most unique and rewarding experiences during Eid.
There are lots of ways to celebrate Eid Al Fitr and whether you are fasting or not, a little entertainment and a nice company of friends in the end of Ramadan are always welcome.
