Play, celebration and return to normal service

Festive feel as families hit the malls and playparks.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, leads Eid prayers at Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Wam

FUJAIRAH // Lunch was back on the menu in Fujairah malls as adults enjoyed getting back into their eating routines and children went wild at indoor amusement centres.

People visiting the Lulu Mall in Fujairah city were happy to see children playing during the Eid holiday as outside the sun sizzled.

“Kids enjoy Eid more than anyone and they spend it at amusement centres playing and having quality time together,” said Dana Khalil, a 34-year-old Lebanese mother of three.

“As expats we don’t have families here so we try to have fun with the kids and enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant.”

Another mall visitor was delighted to tell of how he and his family spent the first hours of Eid.

“We woke up early to attend Eid prayers,” said Ibrahim Al Danhani, 38.

“I took my four-year-old and seven-year-old boys and went to the mosque.

“After prayers we went back home and started receiving Eid greetings from relatives and we went to offer them greetings as well. When lunchtime came, we headed to the mall.”

His wife said that last year they invited all their family over for Eid lunch but this year they decided to go out.

“It doesn’t matter where you eat and what, being together as one family is essential and part of the Eid tradition,” said Umm Ali, 33.

“The kids enjoy playing at the playground and meeting with other friends from school and sometimes neighbours – it’s the Eid spirit.”

Their son Ali, 7, said that he had been anticipating Eid since Ramadan began.

“Ramadan was nice but Eid is different; we get to do anything we want during Eid and we don’t sit at home too much,” he said. I wish that they keep Eid for longer, and especially the Eidyah.”

Eidyah is the money children receive as gifts at Eid.

Even those working in the malls were excited to be serving people in a festive environment.

“People started to come to the mall in the morning,” said Radwan Sandoqa, 27, a Moroccan who works at a beauty shop in Lulu Mall. “Some of them were still preparing for Eid while others came to shop after receiving their Eidyah.

“We were busy the past few days and expect people to come in high numbers today and during the upcoming days. We are ready and prepared.”