This year Eid Al Fitr is expected to start on Sunday or Monday, sparking celebrations that include charitable works, spending time with family and exchanging gifts.
If you are searching for ideas for what to buy loved ones, we have put together a list of suggestions for every budget and every member of the family. Be it a scent to add fragrance to the home, a watch that takes energy from the sun, or the latest shade of lipstick, relax, we have got you covered.
Eid gifts for her
Necklace at Bil Arabi
With a message of hobb (love), this necklace by Lebanese designer Nadine Kanso is as thoughtful as it is timeless. Made in 18k white, rose or yellow gold, the simple design of the lettering is enhanced by a single, white diamond.
Dh1,995, Bil Arabi
Armani Prive perfume
New scent Oud Royal by Armani Prive is an opulent mix of gold-infused accords, warm spices and precious oud, the resin from the heartwood of the aquilaria tree. The fragrance is woody, smoky and almost leathery, with floral tones and a hint of something almost balsamic. With oud held in the very highest esteem around the world, this scent is Armani's homage to this mysterious and complex ingredient
Dh1,445 for 100ml, Bloomingdale's Middle East
Coya Spa treatment
Everyone deserves a spa day, and at Coya Spa and Salon you can treat loved ones to customisable treatments. For Eid it is offering a package that begins with a choice of a 60-minute massage, followed by an express body scrub or facial, and then a rejuvenating foot or scalp massage. Indulgent and relaxing, it is a gift of self care.
Dh500, Coya Spa, Dubai
Huda Beauty lipstick
One of the UAE's great success stories is Huda Beauty, a company that began with an online make-up tutorial by Huda Kattan and her sisters Mona and Alya. More than a decade later, the trio are sitting on top of a beauty empire that has been valued at more than $1 billion. Huda has described the Power Bullet Matte Lipstick as the most “intense” she has ever created with rich, saturated colours that stay put.
Dh116, Huda Beauty
Eid gifts for him
Tissot solar watch
While the Tissot PRC Solar watch may not be new (it was released in the mid-2000s), this sun-friendly timepiece remains perfectly suited to the region's weather.
Using advanced Lightmaster technology, it absorbs natural and artificial light through the sapphire crystal covering the dial, which is converted via tiny solar panels into power that is stored in the rechargeable accumulator. This allows the watch to remain charged even under limited or artificial lighting. With our endless sunshine in the Middle East, what more thoughtful gift than a watch powered by the sun, avoiding the need for batteries.
Dh1,937, Rivoli
Squatwolf baseball cap
Along with technical gymwear, homegrown brand Squatwolf also has a range of bags – which double as perfect weekenders – as well as baseball and trucker caps. Logoed and available with a flat brim or pre-rounded, the hats come in several colours, from pink to black.
From Dh129, Squatwolf
Gucci GC sandals
Level Shoes offers a wide range of men's sandals that would make great gifts as the weather starts to heat up.
Gucci's sand-coloured suede slides feature its emblematic GG monogram, and the double strap sandals pair well with trousers, jeans or shorts.
Dh3,950, Level Shoes
Eid gifts for children
Dresses from Junior Couture
Offering brands including Karl Lagerfeld, Pucci, Moschino, Stella McCartney and Emporio Armani, Junior Couture specialises in upscale clothes for babies, toddlers, girls and boys. For Eid Al Fitr it has curated an Eid party dress section on its website that includes a gold tulle dress by Angel's Face (Dh595) and a pink rose-covered party dress by Dolce & Gabbana (Dh2,150).
Juniorcouture.ae
Next Eid waistcoat
Next has a specially-designed Eid waistcoat for boys aged three months to 16 years. Made in a linen mix fabric, it has a tall collar, trimmed front pockets and a pocket square. In a neutral tone, it is designed to co-ordinate with many looks, from a T-shirt and trousers to a kandura.
From Dh86, Next.ae
Eid gifts for hosts
Olive oil at Cypher Urban Roastery
In addition to its freshly roasted coffees, Cypher is offering authentic Arabic foods. From Jordanian duqqa – a mix of dried and ground zaatar, roasted wheat, roasted sesame seeds, sumac and salt (Dh20 per jar), to Palestinian maramieh (dried sage leaves), naturally packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds (Dh16 per jar), there is a wide range of products available. The store also has Nabtih olive oil from the October 2024 crop. Peppery and pungent with notes of herbs and butter, the olives were hand-picked and pressed in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank.
Nabtih olive oil, Dh410 for five litres, bycypher.com
Versace vases
The Medusa head is integral to the house of Versace, appearing on clothing, jewellery, accessories and cushions. Now, in the latest addition to Versace's homeware line, Medusa appears as vases, in three sizes. Crafted in German porcelain, these are available in matte black or white, silver or gold. Starting at a diminutive 9cm, the next size up is 15cm, while those looking to make a statement will love the 30cm version.
From Dh750, Solomia
Scoop Wholefoods’ zero-waste Ramadan hamper
This hamper is aimed at foodies and those who love to try new tastes. It includes organic tri-colour quinoa, a soup mix, extra virgin olive oil, organic chamomile tea and Celtic salt. With everything packed in reusable glass jars, this is an easy win for those who love to cook.
Price on request, Scoop Wholefoods
Molton Brown aroma reeds
Infused with the heady scent of rosa absolute, this reed diffuser by Molton Brown will add fragrance to any room. Other scents in the range include Orange & Bergamot, Re-Charge Black Pepper, and a crisp Coastal Cypress and Sea Fennel. The fragrances are available in one size of 150ml.
Dh345, Molton Brown
MATCH INFO
World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
PSA DUBAI WORLD SERIES FINALS LINE-UP
Men’s:
Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY)
Ali Farag (EGY)
Simon Rosner (GER)
Tarek Momen (EGY)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Nick Matthew (ENG)
Women's:
Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
Raneem El Welily (EGY)
Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
Laura Massaro (ENG)
Joelle King (NZE)
Camille Serme (FRA)
Nouran Gohar (EGY)
Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The biog
Name: Sari Al Zubaidi
Occupation: co-founder of Cafe di Rosati
Age: 42
Marital status: single
Favourite drink: drip coffee V60
Favourite destination: Bali, Indonesia
Favourite book: 100 Years of Solitude
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
RESULTS
Dubai Kahayla Classic – Group 1 (PA) $750,000 (Dirt) 2,000m
Winner: Deryan, Ioritz Mendizabal (jockey), Didier Guillemin (trainer).
Godolphin Mile – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
Dubai Gold Cup – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (Turf) 3,200m
Winner: Subjectivist, Joe Fanning, Mark Johnston
Al Quoz Sprint – Group 1 (TB) $1million (T) 1,200m
Winner: Extravagant Kid, Ryan Moore, Brendan Walsh
UAE Derby – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Rebel’s Romance, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
Dubai Golden Shaheen – Group 1 (TB) $1.5million (D) 1,200m
Winner: Zenden, Antonio Fresu, Carlos David
Dubai Turf – Group 1 (TB) $4million (T) 1,800m
Winner: Lord North, Frankie Dettori, John Gosden
Dubai Sheema Classic – Group 1 (TB) $5million (T) 2,410m
Winner: Mishriff, John Egan, John Gosden
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
More coverage from the Future Forum
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
11 cabbie-recommended restaurants and dishes to try in Abu Dhabi
Iqbal Restaurant behind Wendy’s on Hamdan Street for the chicken karahi (Dh14)
Pathemari in Navy Gate for prawn biryani (from Dh12 to Dh35)
Abu Al Nasar near Abu Dhabi Mall, for biryani (from Dh12 to Dh20)
Bonna Annee at Navy Gate for Ethiopian food (the Bonna Annee special costs Dh42 and comes with a mix of six house stews – key wet, minchet abesh, kekel, meser be sega, tibs fir fir and shiro).
Al Habasha in Tanker Mai for Ethiopian food (tibs, a hearty stew with meat, is a popular dish; here it costs Dh36.75 for lamb and beef versions)
Himalayan Restaurant in Mussaffa for Nepalese (the momos and chowmein noodles are best-selling items, and go for between Dh14 and Dh20)
Makalu in Mussaffa for Nepalese (get the chicken curry or chicken fry for Dh11)
Al Shaheen Cafeteria near Guardian Towers for a quick morning bite, especially the egg sandwich in paratha (Dh3.50)
Pinky Food Restaurant in Tanker Mai for tilapia
Tasty Zone for Nepalese-style noodles (Dh15)
Ibrahimi for Pakistani food (a quarter chicken tikka with roti costs Dh16)
The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Planes grounded by coronavirus
British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30
Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong
Ai Seoul: Suspended all flights to China
Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March
Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February
South Korea's Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air and Jin Air: Suspend all flights
BACK%20TO%20ALEXANDRIA
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The%20specs
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match info
Southampton 2 (Ings 32' & pen 89') Tottenham Hotspur 5 (Son 45', 47', 64', & 73', Kane 82')
Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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THE BIO
BIO:
Born in RAK on December 9, 1983
Lives in Abu Dhabi with her family
She graduated from Emirates University in 2007 with a BA in architectural engineering
Her motto in life is her grandmother’s saying “That who created you will not have you get lost”
Her ambition is to spread UAE’s culture of love and acceptance through serving coffee, the country’s traditional coffee in particular.