Families head to the Northern Emirates to enjoy relaxed celebrations for Eid

AJMAN // The joy of the first day of Eid Al Adha was seen clearly across the Northern Emirates.

The shopping malls, beaches, corniches and restaurants were crowded with smiling patrons celebrating the holiday, and many sporting new clothes for the occasion.

In Ras Al Khaimah, people flocked to the malls.

“We came to the mall, after visiting our families and relatives, to meet our friends,” said Hazza Saeed Al Mamari, 24, from RAK.

“We sat for about two hours in Starbucks drinking coffee then went to another mall in Fujairah to see our friends from there and to watch a movie.”

Another family came from Dubai to RAK’s open beach, to enjoy the cool evening breeze.

“We came to make a barbecue party, and for fishing,” said Ali Al Dalati, a Syrian manager.

The beach was a respite from traffic congestion and the perfect place for recreational activities with family and friends, the 29-year-old said.

Meanwhile, in an emirate that never witnesses heavy traffic, the streets of Umm Al Quwain were crowded after 7pm, and the corniche was filled with people from different nationalities who sat on the grass, had barbecues and smoked shisha.

Muzahdm Al Ali, a Syrian businessman, came from Ajman with his family. “We love this place,” the 33-year-old said. “It is quiet and away from traffic jams. We sit, eat, drink and smoke.”

In Ajman, most roads and streets were crowded. Hundreds walked on the corniche, or sat or swam at the beach, while others dined at restaurants with families and friends while children played at playgrounds.