The Eid holidays are approaching, and as always, the end of the fasting period will be marked by gift giving, games, prayers, and lots of feasting! If you’re planning to visit UAE during the Eid holidays, keep the following attractions, destinations, and things to do in mind during this celebratory time in the United Arab Emirates.
One of the most breathtaking places to visit during Eid is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, where visitors can admire its stunning architecture and experience the peaceful ambiance of one of the world’s most beautiful mosques. For those seeking festive entertainment, the fireworks at La Mer and Al Seef offer a dazzling spectacle, lighting up the Dubai skyline in honor of the occasion.
Food lovers won’t want to miss the Deira Food Market, a paradise for fresh produce and traditional Emirati ingredients, where the spirit of Eid can be tasted in every dish. Meanwhile, families can enjoy marine life at Sharjah Aquarium, a perfect spot for children and adults alike. If you’re a nature enthusiast, the Al Zorah Nature Reserve in Ajman provides a serene escape with its lush mangroves and diverse birdlife. Lastly, for those craving adventure, Ski Dubai offers a winter wonderland experience right in the heart of the desert.
This article will take a closer look at these incredible destinations, ensuring you make the most of your Eid celebrations in the UAE.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Located in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an architectural masterpiece as well as one of the largest mosques in the world. During the Eid holidays, thousands of people attend for prayers and as well as to enjoy the mosque’s most celebrated features like its courtyard filled with mosaic artwork, its Swarovski chandeliers, and spectacular gold-leaf calligraphy. The mosque is even home to the world’s largest handwoven rug, which has a listing in the Guinness World Book of Records. During the Eid holidays, Abu Dhabi attracts throngs with its wide array of things to see and do, but the mosque remains the heart of the city’s celebrations.
Fireworks at La Mer and Al Seef
The Eid holidays are often accompanied by thrilling fireworks displays. Located just outside Dubai, the developments of La Mer and Al Seef frequently put on fireworks shows that promise to enchant people of all ages. The fireworks light up the Dubai skyline with breathtaking flashes. The shows attract crowds of visitors who will also find plenty of entertainment closer to the ground with a diverse array of street performances and snack vendors. Anyone in search of an inexpensive and family-friendly way to celebrate Eid will want to add this to their plan.
Jebel Jais
During each Eid holiday as many as 60,000 people visit Jebel Jais, the tallest peak in the UAE. The mountain draws tourists in search of an exciting hiking experience or who simply want a nature-inspired way to enjoy Eid. The peak is home to the Jebel Jais Flight, the longest zipline in the world. On the other hand, visitors who are looking for a more relaxing way to spend Eid at Jebel Jais can simply enjoy the arresting views of the Hajar Mountains. There are also guided hikes for visitors who want to head up to the summit.
Deira Food Market
The end of the fasting period brings many to Deira Food Market. Deira, a historic district of Dubai, is famous for its spice souks, seafood, and fruits and vegetables. Vendors sell a mesmerizing range of meals and snacks as well as cool beverages to enjoy while checking out the waterfront views of the Persian Gulf. With its cafes and restaurants, this marketplace is filled with visitors celebrating the Eid holidays. There are also children’s play areas and, often, events held at the nearby Promenade.
Al Ain
A dazzling oasis city located in the east of the UAE, Al Ain has been dubbed a garden city with its stunning fruit trees and date palms. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Ain attracts visitors during the Eid holidays who come to marvel at this settlement with its 4,000-year history. Al Ain is home to more than 147,000 trees and an ancient irrigation system that continues to deliver water to them. This desert city also features a zoo where visitors can feed giraffes and ride camels. During the holidays, the zoo features special shows like reptile encounters and birds of prey shows, making it an especially popular destination for families. Al Ain is roughly a 90-minute drive from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Sharjah Aquarium
The Sharjah Aquarium is located in the city of Sharjah, which attracts many tourists during the Eid holidays. Featuring large aquarium tanks filled with a staggering array of ocean life, this venue is especially popular with families. The aquarium features a prayer room, cafe, mothers’ room, and gift shop. Visitors can expect to see sea creatures such as seahorses, moray eels, clownfish, and even reef sharks in this large, two-story aquarium center. Afterward, some visitors opt to check out the Maritime Museum located next door or one of the city’s restaurants or cafes for a meal.
Hatta
For a more far-flung UAE adventure during Eid, head to the mountain city of Hatta, which is positioning itself to become a world-class tourist destination. Hatta borders Oman and is about 80 miles from Dubai. Some visitors to this mountain enclave come to take tours into the Al Hajar Mountains. Others visit to enjoy the birds and other wildlife at Swan Lake. Hatta features a wide array of picturesque features, including its rock pools, dam, and parks. Hatta even features a honeybee garden that’s known for its apitherapy treatments.
Island Theme Parks
The Yas Island theme parks of Abu Dhabi are filled with outdoor attractions like wave pools, water slides, roller coasters, and more. The parks include Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. Of course, Yas Island is home to many more attractions, including the biggest mall in the city, fountains, golf, and the Yas Marina Circuit. In short, Yas Island has something for everyone, but during the Eid holidays, many families purchase three-day passes to the parks for their kids to enjoy.
Al Zorah Nature Reserve
Located in the city of Ajman, the Al Zorah Nature Reserve is home to a tidal creek and mangrove forest. Visitors in search of a peaceful place to spend the Eid holidays may find the reserve’s breathtaking birds, including flamingos, and other wildlife to be just the thing. On the other hand, many visitors visit the reserve for a bit more adventure. Water activities like windsurfing and kayaking are popular pastimes here. There’s an onsite cafe where guests can enjoy a meal or snacks to complement their Eid outdoor excursions.
Ski Dubai
Opt for a wintry Eid celebration at Ski Dubai. With more than 22,000 square miles of indoor ski areas, this attraction is a cool getaway from the sun and heat. Part of the Mall of Emirates, the largest on the planet, Ski Dubai boasts the world’s first indoor black diamond ski run. It also features an ice tower, climbing caves, penguin encounters, and a children’s snow park play area. It may not be the most usual of places to celebrate Eid, but it does offer a memorable celebration experience.
