Eid Al Fitr Dubai 2023

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the month-long Ramadan fast and is a time for spiritual renewal, gratitude, and togetherness. It is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar, celebrated by Muslims around the world. In Dubai, the festivities surrounding Eid Al Fitr are bursting with exuberance and style, as the city comes alive with a colourful display of lights, decorations, and celebrations. The festivities usually start with the sighting of the Crescent Moon and continue for three days. During this time, Dubai celebrates with joy and thanksgiving as families, friends, and loved ones come together to embrace magic moments.

The exact date of Eid Al Fitr varies each year and is determined by the sighting of the Moon, which marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. This year, Eid Al Fitr is expected to take place on Friday 21st of April, or Saturday 22nd.

Below we look at some of the customs and traditions, special foods, and festivities that take place during this joyous occasion.

Significance of Eid Al Fitr

Dubai is a perfect mixture of cultures and traditions where the city embraces diversity and is defined by tolerance and inclusiveness. During Eid Al Fitr, people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the festival. The city's malls and shopping centres are adorned with colourful lights and festive decorations, and there are plenty of activities for families and children to enjoy.

Eid Al Fitr is a time for Muslims to rejoice and reinforce their faith while sharing their blessings. The festival is marked by various customs and traditions that are deeply rooted in Islamic culture. On the morning of Eid Al Fitr, Muslims gather to offer prayers at mosques or open-air prayer grounds. After the prayer, people exchange greetings and gifts, wishing each other Eid Mubarak. It is time to connect with friends and family, dress up in the finest clothes, and visit each other's homes to share meals and sweets.

People dress up in their finest clothes and decorate their homes with colourful lights and ornaments. The lighting of lamps or lanterns is a common ritual during Eid, adding to the festive atmosphere. Children are often given gifts or money, and families come together to cook and share delicious Eid dishes. The dishes served vary from region to region, but some popular items include biryani, samosas, kebabs, and sweets. These delicacies are often prepared with traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation, adding a special touch to the celebrations.

Time to Celebrate

One of the most anticipated events during Eid Al Fitr in Dubai is the fireworks display. The sky is lit up with colourful explosions, and the city's skyline is transformed into a magical wonderland. The fireworks display is held in popular tourist spots such as Burj Khalifa, and Palm Jumeirah. Other famous venues are expected to continue the tradition of Eid Al Fitr fireworks from previous years in 2023 as well. These venues include The Pointe, Bluewaters, Dubai Festival City, and Global Village. The fireworks for Eid Al Fitr are a sight to behold, with a stunning display of dancing fountains, light shows, and massive fireworks.

Another greatly enjoyed custom during Eid Al Fitr in Dubai is shopping. The city's malls and shopping centres offer discounts and promotions during the festive season, marking the ideal time to indulge in some retail therapy. From high-end luxury brands to local souks, Dubai Mall, Mall of The Emirates, or Dubai Hills Mall are the perfect venues for your Eid shopping extravaganza.

Things to Do and Places to Go

With Eid Al Fitr holidays just around the corner, Dubai has a range of exciting activities and venues to keep you entertained.

Dubai Parks and Resorts is one of the many attractions during Eid. With multiple theme parks, there are many activities and events taking place, from a dazzling light and dinosaur show to exciting children's programs with plenty of freebies.

This year Motiongate is launching Illuminate, a show that features glowing lights and sounds, while Dinosaur parade Dino Mania will return to the venue. Little ones can enjoy meet-and-greets with cartoon characters from popular shows Shaabiat Al Cartoon and The Smurfs at Lapita Hotel Dubai.

Food is an integral part of Eid Al Fitr and Dubai is famous for its mouth-watering Middle Eastern cuisine. During the festival, there are plenty of traditional dishes to savour. From succulent lamb and chicken dishes to rich and decadent desserts, the city's restaurants and eateries offer a range of options to delight all tastes and senses.

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah has a great deal on Saturday, with brunches for the whole family, at two child-friendly restaurants. Head to Mango Tree Thai Bistro for delicious Asian food, including soups, spicy salads, and live cooking stations inspired by Bangkok's street food scene. Similarly, you can try Italian food and live entertainment at Vero, where you'll find fresh seafood and classic dishes.

For a more relaxing Eid weekend, drop into Address Beach Resort for a daycation. The resort welcomes you with three swimming pools, including the World’s Tallest Outdoor Infinity Pool, as well as a white sandy beachfront, an adult pool, a family pool, and a splash pad for kids.

From prayer gatherings and family get-togethers to fireworks displays and shopping sprees, Dubai's unique blend of cultures and traditions make it the perfect destination to celebrate Eid Al Fitr and be captivated by the city's vibrant energy and festive spirit.

As we move closer to Eid, we can all reflect on the real values that this festival holds, such as generosity, love, and universal understanding. In doing so, we can continue to reflect these values throughout the year, for ourselves and those around us.

Eid Mubarak!