Holiday spirit on full display in Ras Al Khaimah on eve of Eid Al Adha

Shoppers rush to the emirate's old town in search of last-minute bargains

Many traders, such as Mohammed Al Adel, of Al Ghawas Gulf Wear, have been busy in the build-up to Eid Al Adha. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Eid Al Adha will be welcomed with a 'smile and a new outfit' for those embracing the holiday mood in Ras Al Khaimah.

The Islamic holiday marks the end of a busy but joyful period in the Emirates, which started with Ramadan in May, the conclusion of which ushered in Eid Al Fitr.

Eid Al Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice, is considered the holier of the two Eid's.

The occasion marks Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail to God. God intervened and sent a sheep to take Ismail’s place.

On the last weekend before Eid Al Adha, which falls on Sunday, residents headed down to Ras Al Khaimah old market to hunt for a bargain or pick out a dress or kandoura that matched their taste and budget.

“Business has been very good during the last three months,” said Arif Dalili, an Afghan salesman who works at Amwaj Al Khaleej textiles in Al Waha Centre located in Ras Al Khaimah old city.

“Women and young girls have been visiting our shop since last month to pick a piece of fabric to design their own dresses and traditional embroidered abayas ahead of Eid."

Mr Dalili said that people who have already spent a lot of money during recent festivities now have their sights set on the old market in the hopes of unearthing a bargain.

“Silk and cotton textiles are the most desired among our customers and we sell them at good prices, starting at Dh35 for four metres,” he said.

Mothers, along with their young daughters, strolled from one shop to another searching for the best deals.

“It’s a mission that requires many visits to the market to find the best options that suit my daughters style and our budget,” said Jamila Al Mazroui.

The 42-year-old Emirati, along with her daughters, aged 17 and 18, spent hours at the market in readiness for Eid Al Adha.

“It is hard but we all enjoy it,” said Ms Al Mazroui.

“We are almost done. We bought dresses for the girls and a traditional embroidered dress for myself along with new shoes and head scarfs.

“We are now looking for some accessories that match the outfit.”

Pinku Bhagand, 42, an Indian salesman at Sigma accessories shop, said customers also bought Eid presents to give to family members while shopping for their outfits.

“Customers do not only shop for themselves, they also come to buy gifts for other family members to give them on the first day of Eid instead of the 'Ediah', the money given as a gift in Eid,” he said.

“We offer many items with affordable prices that can be gifted in Eid such as perfumes, watches, cosmetics and bags.”

A rush of customers is expected during the last weekend before Eid Al Adha as people come to complete their shopping lists and others collect their custom-made clothes from tailors.

A Bangladeshi sales manager, working at Mahboob tailoring and embroidery shop, said they stopped taking tailoring orders two weeks ago.

“It is one of our busiest times of the year but we enjoy it,” said Sohel Rahman.

“We stay open until 12am during the last days before Eid and people keep coming to the market a few hours before Eid.

“Eid always starts with a smile and a new outfit,” said Mr Rahman.