Shoppers and families celebrating Eid Al Fitr turned out in droves at one of Dubai's most popular malls on Friday morning.
There were smiling faces as loved ones shared Eid meals together in Dubai Hills Mall, while others paced the avenues in order to be first to the festive bargains.
“We’ve come to the mall to celebrate Eid together as a family,” said Rajesh Bagree, a doctor from the UK who lives in Dubai.
“It’s a special holiday and it’s important to our family.
“Eid is always a festive occasion and there’s a special atmosphere around Dubai when it happens.”
There’s a special atmosphere around Dubai
Rajesh Bagree
Precious family time
Dr Bagree said his family chose to spend Eid in the mall to share a special family breakfast together.
“We don’t get a chance to spend this time together each week and that’s what is great about Eid,” he said.
“It’s all about family. Plus, it’s too hot to spend it outside.”
Jordanian Ruba Halim, who works in the public relations industry, took the opportunity to buy some clothes for her daughter as an Eid present.
“We were really too busy during Ramadan to get the chance so we’ve come here this morning,” said Ms Hasnain.
“Usually we'd try not to leave the house for Eid but this year was slightly different.”
The UAE declared on Thursday that Eid Al Fitr would begin on Friday, meaning Thursday, April 29, was the last day of Ramadan.
There was a sense of celebration in the air in the mall as families and friends packed into restaurants to celebrate the holiday.
“We came here to have Eid breakfast together as a family,” said Rimla Hasnain, from Pakistan.
“It’s a special occasion so we wanted to do something nice together.”
Eid deals were also on the agenda.
Hafsa Haybe, from Somalia, said she wanted to treat herself to some new clothes. "There are always good deals this time of year," she said.
“Eid means a lot to me and I want to look my best.”
Early birds, such as Jessy Abou Souan from Lebanon, headed to the shops early to snap up special Eid offers in stores.
"I wanted to get here early and beat the crowds," said the human resources professional. "Later on, the place will be crowded."
Also hoping to catch an early bargain was South African Asteera Singh, who works in Dubai as a physiotherapist.
“To be honest, a lot of the deals I see aren’t that different from a few weeks ago but it’s still nice to be able to shop on Eid,” she said.
“I came early because it’s a bit quieter than other times and I’m hoping to pick up some new clothes.”
Sales engineer Ajin Anbrews, from India, decided to kill two birds with one stone, picking up some Eid bargains while spending quality time with his family.
"We’re here for two reasons – it’s a special holiday and I need to buy some shoes for my son," he said.
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UNSC Elections 2022-23
Seats open:
- Two for Africa Group
- One for Asia-Pacific Group (traditionally Arab state or Tunisia)
- One for Latin America and Caribbean Group
- One for Eastern Europe Group
Countries so far running:
The biog:
Languages: Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, basic Russian
Favourite food: Pizza
Best food on the road: rice
Favourite colour: silver
Favourite bike: Gold Wing, Honda
Favourite biking destination: Canada
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Other promotions
- Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
- Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
- Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications)
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
The biog
Alwyn Stephen says much of his success is a result of taking an educated chance on business decisions.
His advice to anyone starting out in business is to have no fear as life is about taking on challenges.
“If you have the ambition and dream of something, follow that dream, be positive, determined and set goals.
"Nothing and no-one can stop you from succeeding with the right work application, and a little bit of luck along the way.”
Mr Stephen sells his luxury fragrances at selected perfumeries around the UAE, including the House of Niche Boutique in Al Seef.
He relaxes by spending time with his family at home, and enjoying his wife’s India cooking.
