Celebrating Eid Al Adha in UAE

Any religious festival is a joyful occasion for the respective community. Eid Al Adha or the festival of the sacrifice is an important festival for Muslims. It falls in the final month of the Islamic calendar and begins on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijjah. Eid Al Adha in UAE is always a jubilant occasion not just for the Muslim community but for all residents and ex-pats.

Sighting the moon is crucial to deciding on the dates of the occasion. This year Arafat Day falls on Monday, July 19. This will be followed by a long weekend break for Eid Al Adha in UAE, taking the holiday up to July 25. It is also usually the time when the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah is made by the faithful.

Eid Celebration in UAE

Usually, on Eid day the faithful gather at a mosque to pray and listen to Khutbah. Following which they continue to spend a while in the premises of the mosque greeting and exchanging pleasantries with others. Like in any celebration, Eid Al Adha is usually celebrated with family and friends over a sumptuous meal. Almost every household prepares a gala feast, with delectable and delicious dishes, desserts, and numerous food items. More than just enjoying a meal together, the act has a much deeper connotation etched in devotion, kindness, and equality.

Visiting family and friends, exchanging pleasantries, wearing new clothes are also part of the celebration. There is also a beautiful practice of giving Eidieh, a monetary gift to children during Eid. This is mostly done during Eid Al Fitr though.

On the day before the main feast day, the faithful all over fast for a day to honor those going to the Hajj pilgrimage. The three days after the Eid Al Adha are also important and part of the feast.

Eid Al Adha for Non-Muslims

Moreover, the weeklong holiday season provides much-awaited relief for everyone during the summer. A week's off would mean, vacations to different Emirates or countries, visiting friends and family, relaxation and enjoyment.

As ex-pats, we all look forward to spending time freely with friends and out of the routine during the Eid holidays. What better occasion for all these activities than the Eid Al Adha in UAE! A similar story could be told by anyone from gulf countries. Being one of the hottest months in the gulf sector, Eid Al Adha in UAE springs a welcome break to find our own comforts. Even if it is only for a week.

Many times, we, the non-Muslims are invited by our Muslim friends or colleagues to have Eid Al Adha lunch with them. It is a joyful occasion of sharing and caring.

Being one of the most secular countries, we all love to celebrate every event in this country. Those of us non-Muslims have our own ways of celebrating the Eid holidays. Going on a picnic to other Emirates, even to Neighboring countries like Oman or Jordan, shopping, spending time with friends, etc top the list. But, there is nothing like cooking with friends. Since most of us are away from family and homeland, a long weekend creates an opportunity for us to cook as we like.

Eid Al Adha in UAE – 2021

Well, times have changed. The situation continues to be unfavorable for get-togethers and family reunions. By now all of us are used to small-scale and hushed celebrations. In spite of the nature of the occasion, we have learned to observe the norms of the place.

This year Eid Al Adha in UAE is going to be celebrated following strict guidelines of the UAE government. Anticipating a surge in COVID-19 cases during the weeklong holidays the NCEMA has been reminding everyone in UAE how to spend the Eid holidays.

 The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority has allowed mosques to hold Eid Al Adha prayers. However, this is to be done following all social distancing norms and COVID-19 protocols issued by the government.

• The maximum duration of Khutbah is 15 minutes. (Khutbah is Islamic sermons)
• The doors of mosques will be closed directly after prayers.
• Other service facilities such as washrooms, Wudu places, washrooms and water dispensers shall be closed too.
• Worshippers should bring their own prayer mats.
• Those having direct contact with Covid-19 patients are strictly prohibited to visit mosques.
• The elderly, children under 12 years and those suffering from chronic diseases cannot visit either.
• The traditional practice of handshaking and hugs before and after the prayer is prohibited.
• No one is allowed to gather at the places of worship before or after the prayer.
• Celebrations must be restricted to members of the same family who live in the same house.

Well, Eid Al Adha in UAE in 2021 is certainly a different one. Otherwise busy premises of mosques here are now mostly deserted. However, nothing to sulk about. The authorities make sure we all have the best and safest Eid holidays. Hence, let us be responsible and act wisely while enjoying the holidays.

And I wish everyone Happy Eid. Stay safe.