عيد الأضحى في 🇦🇪 الإمارات العربية المتحدة

Eid al-Adha in the United Arab Emirates is a four-day public holiday celebrated with great fervor and generosity. The celebration coincides with the return of Emirati Hajj pilgrims, who are welcomed home with celebrations at the airport and family gatherings. Sacrificial animals, primarily sheep and goats, are purchased from temporary livestock markets that spring up across the Emirates.

Emirati families maintain the tradition of performing the sacrifice at home or at designated facilities. The meat is distributed to family, friends, and the less fortunate. Modern initiatives include government-organized sacrifice programs and charitable organizations that distribute meat to laborers and low-income residents.

The Eid feast in an Emirati household is grand. Ouzi, a whole lamb stuffed with rice, nuts, and spices, is a showpiece dish. Thareed, machboos, and harees are prepared alongside an array of traditional sweets. Family majlis gatherings can last all day, with men and women celebrating separately in many traditional homes.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi host elaborate public celebrations with fireworks, cultural performances, and family entertainment. Shopping malls offer Eid sales and activities, and parks and public spaces come alive with festivities. The government often announces bonus holidays or extends the celebration, and the spirit of giving extends to charitable donations, food drives, and community initiatives.

One of the two holiest Islamic festivals, commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as commanded by God, marked by animal sacrifice, communal prayers, and sharing meat with the poor.