FUJAIRAH / AJMAN // Families headed for the beach on the east coast to make the most of the cool weather during the public holiday.
Despite high winds, Fujairah’s Umbrellas Corniche was a popular spot for an alfresco meals.
Rejin Abraham, a 32-year-old Indian mother of one, went to the coast with her family and neighbours early to beat the crowds.
“This place becomes crowded after the sunset, so we came a little bit earlier to enjoy the place and let the kids play.
“We prepared food in order for us to relax. The weather is perfect and everyone is enjoying it,” said Ms Abraham.
Mostafa Jalal and his family travelled from Ajman to spend the day with friends from Fujairah.
“It’s a bit windy, but the boys are enjoying it as they brought their kites to fly them high and make use of the strong wind, ” said Mr Jalal, a 37-year -old Egyptian father of two.
“Our plan was to do some barbecue but due to the weather we decided to have lunch in a nearby restaurant instead,” he said.
At Madab Park, many families relaxed while their children played.
“Long holidays are good for children especially during cool weather as it’s a chance to take them outside to the parks where they can play and burn their energy,” said Mozah Salem, a 30-year-old Emirati mother of two, who went to the park with her children and friends.
“We seize the opportunity to relax, enjoy the green landscape and chat with our friends,” she said.
Residents of Ajman and Sharjah flocked to parks, deserts and the corniche to enjoy the long weekend.
For residents of Ajman and Sharjah, family gatherings are key to celebrating the Prophet’s birthday.
A family gathering to celebrate the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday was the focus Jordanian Emad Saleh.
“Eating together is the most important thing in our Islamic occasions, and it is a chance for all family to gather,” said Mr Saleh, 37, who was at Ajman Marine with his mother and children.
The 37-year-old said he marked the Islamic holiday by learning about Prophet Mohammed’s good morals.
Adel Hussain, from Pakistan, spent the day at Ajman Beach but said he would be taking advantage of the cool weather by heading out to the desert with friends or family to barbecue.
“We will do a family party at house where the whole family and relatives will gather together and have a barbecue dinner,” said the 25-year-old, who has raised in Ajman.
Mohammed Shanabla, a Palestinian marketing manager, spent the occasion with his family, taking his children to play in a mall.
“This day is spent with family, we go out, have lunch together and take my kids to a mall to play in games in the Magic Planet,” the 40-year-old said.
Khalid Al Sayed, a Syrian communications engineer who went with his family to Sharjah waterfront, said he would teach his children about the Prophet and his good morals.
“Calling relatives in my home country is essential. As well, we gather at night to have dinner and share sweets to express our happiness for the birth of the Prophet,” the 37-year-old said.
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