As Ramadan draws to an end, the UAE is gearing up to mark Eid Al Fitr with a number of celebrations over the long weekend.
Among the festivities will be free fireworks displays throughout the Emirates. Although the exact date for Eid Al Fitr has yet to be confirmed, it is likely to fall on Monday, May 2.
Here's a look at where to go to celebrate.
Eid fireworks in Abu Dhabi
Yas Island
Yas Bay will have fireworks over the first three days of Eid Al Fitr, starting at 9pm. In addition to the light show, there will also be a line-up of Eid concerts at Etihad Arena that include Amr Diab on May 3 and Sherine Abdel-Wahab and Kadim Al Sahir on May 4.
-
Yas Bay Waterfront has opened to the public. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Pier 71 is home to a number of restaurants and lounges at Yas Bay Waterfront. -
Guests can enjoy views of Al Raha Beach skyline from Yas Bay Waterfront. -
The boardwalk at Yas Bay Waterfront. -
Yas Bay Waterfront has a three-kilometre boardwalk that overlooks the Arabian Gulf. -
There are art installations around the waterfront area. -
A giant bronze sculpture emerges from the water at Yas Bay Waterfront. -
Paradiso, which is helmed by Nicole Rubi, the woman behind LPM Restaurant, and Michelin-lauded chef Pierre Gagnaire. -
Paradiso, a Mediterranean restaurant that originated in Cannes, France, is now open at Yas Bay Waterfront. -
The rigatoni pasta dish at Paradiso. -
Pizza with tomatoes and oregano at Paradiso. -
Etihad Arena is located within Yas Bay Waterfront. -
More restaurants and concepts are set to open in the coming months. -
Cafe del Mar's cabanas come with their own Jacuzzi. -
An installation lights up at night at Yas Bay Waterfront.
Eid fireworks in Dubai
The Pointe
Visit The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah to see a dazzling fountain show and a fireworks display on the first day of Eid Al Fitr on May 2 at 9pm.
Bluewaters Island
Home to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, Bluewaters Island will have a fireworks show on the second day of Eid Al Fitr at 9pm.
Dubai Festival City Mall
Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall will host a spectacular three-minute fireworks show on May 3 at 9pm. It will take place alongside Imagine, a colourful light, laser and sound show. There will also be a ticketed concert by Nassif Zeytoun and Rahma Riad taking place on the South Side. Tickets start at Dh195.
Burj Khalifa
A new Burj Khalifa light show and Dubai Fountain show will debut over Eid. The never-before-seen shows, choreography to LED and lighting up the Downtown Dubai skyline, will take place at 8pm every night during the long weekend.
Global Village
The family favourite destination will have a fireworks display on every day over Eid, starting from 9pm. The attraction will also extend its opening hours from 5pm until 2am from Saturday until it closes its doors on May 7.
-
Global Village in Dubai will remain open throughout Ramadan. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The family-friendly attraction hosts Ramadan Nights, an iftar and suhoor experience at the Majlis of the World. -
A toddler enjoys herself at the annual event, which is marking its silver jubilee edition. -
Ramadan decorations have enhanced the grandeur of Global Village. -
Moutyaa Al Chayah, a cook from Baalbek, Lebanon, bakes manakeesh. -
Global Village also offers delicious food options. -
Friends gather for iftar. -
Luqaimat is also a favourite among those breaking the fast. -
Queue builds up in front of a Turkish ice cream outlet. -
It's prayer time at Global Village. -
The traditional cannon fire marking the end of the day's fast is quite a spectacle. -
Food is cooked on the floating market. -
A musician plays oud at the Majlis of the World. -
Global Village hosts more than 3,500 shopping outlets. -
An impromptu iftar gathering at Global Village. -
The Majlis of the World has been put up exclusively for Ramadan. -
The majlis hosts traditional entertainment such as live music. -
Ramadan decorations at the Syria pavilion. -
Opening hours have been changed to accommodate guests over iftar and suhoor.
