Families eager to embrace ‘true spirit’ of Eid as Covid-19 rules are lifted
Families in the UAE are looking forward to the start of Eid Al Fitr as the country continues its cautious recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Large gatherings synonymous with the holiday gave way to smaller events held at home during the past two years as the nation took steps to curb the spread of infection.
Last year, the authorities called on the public to share their holiday greetings online, avoid exchanging gifts and food with neighbours, and refrain from socialising with people who were not members of their household.
Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, was observed in May last year, when the country was recording about 1,200 cases each day.
The daily infection rate has now dropped significantly, with cases remaining below 300 since April 4. No Covid-19 deaths have been recorded since March 7.
Successful efforts to tackle the pandemic have allowed the government to ease restrictions, including lifting the requirement to wear masks outdoors, scrapping border checks to enter Abu Dhabi from other emirates and removing restrictions for prayers at mosques for Ramadan.
The return to normality means many people are relishing the start of the Eid holidays this year.
Javairia Hassan, a Pakistani mother of two in Dubai, said her family planned to go to the mosque for Eid prayers for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
Mosques across the Emirates were closed for Eid prayers in 2020 and last year there were strict guidelines in place, such as limiting the time for prayers to 15 minutes.
“The most important part for us will be to go to the mosque for Eid prayers and to start our day from there,” she said.
“Then we will head to a Pakistani restaurant for breakfast and enjoy traditional Eid meals.”
She also plans to take a family trip to explore Ras Al Khaimah during Eid.
The authorities have announced that for people working in the private sector, the holiday will begin on Saturday and run until Tuesday or Wednesday next week, depending on what date Eid starts.
“Now it feels like we are breathing fresh air because we are free to move, can have get-togethers, enjoy public places and we can make plans without being worried that there’ll suddenly be new restrictions,” Ms Hassan said.
“During the last few Eids, we stayed at home. There wasn’t any Eid shopping trips; we didn’t go out to restaurants, parks or malls.
“The spirit of Eid was really missing, but thanks to the UAE for making it so safe and now we are able to enjoy the festivities like how it was before the pandemic.”
Amr Eid, an Egyptian who lives with his family in Dubai, also plans to enjoy a staycation during the holiday. He spent
Eid at home with his wife and two children in 2020 and stayed at a hotel with family friends last year.
“We are planning to do a staycation this Eid to spend time with our friends and family,” he said.
“It’s a great way to catch up with everyone, as well as take a break from work, whether it be school for the children or days off from the office for my wife Heba and I.
“It’s honestly so relieving to be able to properly enjoy and make the most of Eid without having to worry about mandatory masks.
“Although restrictions have eased, my family and I continue to take the general precautions to stay as safe as possible.
“But, nonetheless, we are very excited to be able to treasure these moments with our family in such an enjoyable manner.”