How to Spend the Eid Holiday in Dubai

Happy Eid! The UAE is now celebrating Eid Al Fitr, the culmination of 30 days of fasting and prayer, with exciting festivities, concerts, promotions and of course, lots of colorful fireworks. During the long break, many are traveling out of Dubai, but you can also explore the all the fun the city has to offer. Shopping, tasting delicacies or simply watching a movie, go out and enjoy Dubai’s rich holiday programme this Eid.

Family shows and activities

Huge firework display will illuminate the Dubai sky every evening at 8.00 pm. during the festivities. The spectacle will take place along the Dubai Creek at Al Seef Street and will be observed from every part of the city. Of course, Modesh World has special surprises for the kids – the Transformers Interactive Experience will feature fun games and contests, while the exhibition Angry Birds Universe: The Art and Science behind a Global Phenomenon will present an educational and highly interactive attraction for both children and their parents. The biggest fans can also find out what it is to be the bird – just like in the game, they will be launched on zip lines over big foam figures, which is perfectly safe, of course. With 3 daily shows (free entry), the famous Hello Kitty is back in Dubai for her 40th anniversary at the Dubai Mall.

At Mercato, you can see The Jungle Fairy Tale – a spectacular dance show featuring contortionists, dancers, music, storytelling, and all this dressed up in colorful costumes and magical décor. One of the most exciting places this Eid will be the Arabian Centre. It will host the world’s largest mobile Planetarium together with the largest Dinosaur Exhibition, as well. Other attractions include the Brick Adventureland and the Vegas Magic Illusion Show, and the best thing is that they all free. Until August 3, you can see some of the greatest movie soundtracks of all time, played out and performed on stage during the Movie Mania at Deira City Centre.

Music concerts

The Dubai World Trade Centre is hosting the annual Layali Dubai concerts on Wednesday and Thursday for fans of Arabic music and art. Ismael Mubarak, Balqees Ahmed, Rabeh Saqer, Shamma Hamdan, Sa’ad Lamjarred and Ahlam will be entertaining the audience, starting at 8.00 pm. Tickets are starting from AED 200. Or, if you prefer Bollywood hits, you can also see the famous duo Salim-Sulaiman also at the DWTC, at 7.00 pm. this Thursday. They will be accompanied by singer Shraddha Pandit and Indian Idol winners Shreeram and Vipul Mehta. Tickets are from AED 145. Indian singer Shreya Ghosal and her band are also coming in Dubai for Eid. The Marhaba Dubai concert is taking place at Al Nasr Leisureland Arena this Friday with tickets from AED 75.

Of course, there will be something for electronic and techno fans, as well. On Tuesday night, head to the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre for a wild party and amazing music by some of the best Electric Days DJs. Those who prefer retro R&B can visit Sensation at Crown Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, where RL from Next, Q Parker from 112 and Wingo from Jagged Edge will perform some of the greatest hits of the 90s, again on Tuesday evening.

Besides the various shows and concerts throughout Eid, there will be many holiday sales and promotions in every shopping mall across the city. Dubai night clubs are already opening for the new season, while restaurants will be offering discounts and special, festive menus.