Dubai braces for festivities as Eid Al Adha falls on Oct 26

By Staff  www.khaleejtimes.com

Just as Saudi Arabia announced that the first day of Eid Al Adha will fall on Friday, October 26, Dubai is all set to launch the fifth edition of ‘Eid in Dubai’ on Thursday, October 18.

The Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia has announced that the Day of Arafah will be on Thursday, Zul Hijjah 9, 1433, ie October 25, and the first day of Eid Al Adha on Friday, October 26.

The court said that it has decided on the completion of the lunar month of Zul Qaadah on 30th day and the start of the Zul Hijjah on Wednesday, October 17.

Starting Thursday, Dubai will be dressed up with decorations all around to welcome the ‘Eid in Dubai’ extravaganza, adding to the festive atmosphere. A fantastic display of fireworks that will illuminate the night skies over Dubai Creek at 9pm will open the festivities, a pattern that will be followed daily with firework shows.

Eid in Dubai, organised by the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), an agency of the Department of Economic Development, has been extended from the usual four days of festivities to more than 16 days following the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to help provide the ultimate unforgettable holiday experience for families.

Shaikh Mohammed has also given his blessings to an innovative initiative called ‘Dubai 24 Hours’, a non-stop shopping experience in selected malls during the ‘Eid in Dubai’ celebrations. Participating malls will make history by opening their doors for 24 hours every Thursday and Friday during the celebrations from October 18 to November 2.

Eid in Dubai will also provide customers with chances to win some fortunes. The DEPE, along with the Dubai Shopping Malls Group, will launch a promotion offering shoppers who spend Dh200 at participating malls the chance to enter in a raffle draw and win prizes up to a million dirhams. This is the first of its kind initiative and is already creating a lot of interest among the retailers.

A unique line-up of singers and artistes from across the globe, with performances that are as diverse as the cultural scene of the city’s society, will also add colour to the celebrations.

International singing star Enrique Iglesias, Arabic singers Rabih Saqer, Majed Al Mohandas, Molhem Zain, Fares Karam and Nahwa, and Indian artiste Shreya Ghoshal includes the performers in Dubai during this year’s festival. More info

‘Eid in Dubai’ celebrates the Islamic festivities of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha and translates them into events for families and children.