Khaleej Times

MALLS BUZZ WITH ACTIVITY AS FESTIVE SPIRIT GRIPS UAE

- reporters@khaleejtim­es.com Staff Reporter

Echoes of ‘Eid mubarak’ rang out as the moon-sighting committee in the UaE announced that today is the first day of the month of shawwal and the first day of Eid al Fitr. People thronged malls across the nation to make last-minute purchases. —

dubai — Today, Muslims around the world are celebratin­g the first day of Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. With preparatio­ns in full swing, this celebratio­n is noted as one of the most festive of the Eids, and it will take place over the next three days.

This much-awaited festive break means wearing best clothes and indulging in various festivitie­s with friends and loved ones.

But in the UAE, where more than 200 different nationalit­ies live together as one, celebratio­ns may vary based on culture, but the significan­ce of this holiday remains constant across all nationalit­ies.

In Dubai, people adorned in colourful ensembles will be a common sight over the next few days. And though many families have chosen to escape the Dubai heat in exchange for a family getaway elsewhere, those choosing to stay in the UAE will be gathering for parties during the day and night.

Large feasts will unite family and friends across the city, with malls and streets decked out in colourful lights and beautiful ornaments to bring the whole city together — Muslims and nonMuslims alike.

Prayers will be offered in groups, with friends and family uniting across Dubai to pray together, and gifts will also be exchanged during this three-day celebratio­n.

However, the way Muslims across the world meet and greet may differ depending on the their native language.

But here in the cosmopolit­an Dubai, it’s just the globally known greetings — Eid Mubarak — which translates to a blessed Eid for all irrespecti­ve of their nationalit­y, religion and race.

Have a blessed Eid Al Fitr!

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 ??  ?? GOLDEN GLOW ... Malls across Dubai reflect the cheer of the festive season. At Burjuman, golden colours dominate Eid decoration­s.
GOLDEN GLOW ... Malls across Dubai reflect the cheer of the festive season. At Burjuman, golden colours dominate Eid decoration­s.
 ??  ?? STELLAR SHOW ... A woman walks past decoration­s and lights put up at InterConti­nental Dubai - Festival City.
STELLAR SHOW ... A woman walks past decoration­s and lights put up at InterConti­nental Dubai - Festival City.
 ?? Photos by Neeraj Murali ?? SHOPPING MUBARAK ... Deira City Centre busy with shoppers on the eve of Eid Al Fitr on Saturday. —
Photos by Neeraj Murali SHOPPING MUBARAK ... Deira City Centre busy with shoppers on the eve of Eid Al Fitr on Saturday. —
 ??  ?? BAG A DEAL ... A store at The Dubai Mall wishes its customers Eid Mubarak. Malls across Dubai will run special offers during holidays.
BAG A DEAL ... A store at The Dubai Mall wishes its customers Eid Mubarak. Malls across Dubai will run special offers during holidays.

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