Eid Al Fitr: From firework shows to theme parks, here's how you can spend the long weekend
Look up at the sky
If you are looking for something to do that will engage the young ones while giving the grown-ups a chance at witnessing wonder, get your tickets to Dubai Parks and Resorts. There are fun rides and dance offs (and performances – live music, dinos dancing) that will have the kids cheering. And come 7.30pm (or 8.30pm or 9.30pm), you can check out a laser show. Stay till 9.30pm for a sparkling sky, for this is when the fireworks will take flight. The fireworks and the laser show will occur on the first two days of Eid. Want a traditional meal to cap things off? Try Al Mashowa , where the buffet is priced at Dh149 (for adults) and Dh75 (for kids).
From Dh295.
The Green Planet Dubai
A trip to an indoor rainforest? Yes, please. This Eid, your session here will be even more full of exciting happenings than usual. There'll be henna and face painting from 10am to 6pm, a live Oud player, sessions where you'll learn about the denizens of The Green Planet Dubai (of which there are 3,000) and get up close and personal with them. There's a selection of exciting movies at the Learning Centre for the kiddos and a feeding adventure that'll call out to your inner Steve Irwin.
Dh135 (per person). The Green Planet Dubai, City Walk.
See Salman in action
Ready for some high-octane drama? Sikandar, Salman Khan's traditional Eid release is out this weekend, and that means it's time to break out the popcorn and nestle into your chair. The film that takes on the usual tropes of vigilante versus corrup cop will be playing in cinemas across the UAE.
Boo Boo Laand
Take your littlest ones for an adventure to Boo Boo Laand, where they can run around in the whimsical indoor playground and explore themed workshops. Relax at MORE Café while the kids have fun.
Free (infants); Dh150 (toddlers); Dh190 (children) for two hours. One adult ticket is free with every toddler and children ticket. Dh70 per additional adult. https://www.booboolaand.com/buy-now/
Yas Bay Waterfront
Abu Dhabi is calling your name this long weekend; you can see fireworks lighting up the sky on all three days of Eid, feast at award-winning restaurants, and if you want something a little more energising than laying about – Ferrari World Yas Island has the key. Squeal your way through the world's fastest roller coaster ride here. Guests will be greeted by traditional Ayalla dancers at the Welcome Plaza on these days. Want something a little more of a 'deep dive'? Check out SeaWorld Yas Island, where festivities include performances by Fishermen dancers, beautiful sand art, and activities like fishnet making, henna art, and face painting for kids.
Date: Running for 4 days (March 31 to April 3)
Eid Traditions & Tastes Market
Photos and knick-knacks are a lovely way to mark and occasion, and you'll find tonnes of contenders on the first and second days of Eid at Palmito Garden in JA Beach Hotel between noon and 8pm. Among the goods up for grabs are handcrafted accessories, fashion, and one-of-a-kind gifts from local vendors. There'll also be authentic Emirati cuisine, live entertainment and kids' activities.
Dh50 (per person); free for in-house guests. Palmito Garden, JA Beach Hotel. Tickets are available at Platinumlist.net
Five Luxe
Spend a day (or three) celebrating the occasion with a getaway that's not too far from your door. Plus, you can check FOMO off your list. Five Luxe, the beachfront resort, will be lit this weekend, where you can pay for three nights and stay for four. Or, you could pay for six and stay for eight this Eid.
Staycations!
Few things are as peaceful as watching waves lapping at you as you recline on a comfy deck chair. Experience it yourself with a stay at Queen Elizabeth 2, where between Mar 30 and Apr 3, you can unwind with a complimentary upgrade to a sea-view room. (Yes, the view is coming to you.) Breakfast is included at Lido restaurant for two as is dinner. And you also get a 20 per cent discount on food and beverage packages. Love a late check out? (Us too). You'll get a 2pm one here (subject to availability, of course). Call 04 526 8888 for reservations.
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