UAE’s MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced that the Eid Al-Fitr holidays in UAE for private sector would begin on June 3rd (Monday) and continue until June 6th, Thursday. Combined with the weekend starting on Friday, this Eid becomes the longest holiday weekend of 2019. Eid Al-Fitr 2019 holiday is generous and has 4-days off, compared to just 2-days off last year (in 2018).
Public Sector gets 9-day holiday
MOHRE has also announced that the public sector which includes all government entities and offices would have a 9-day holiday for Eid Al-Fitr 2019. The holidays start on June 2nd (Sunday) and end on June 6th, Thursday. Combined with the weekends that precedes and follows the holidays, the total number of days are amounting to 9-days.
Earlier in the year, UAE government had announced that Private and Public Sector holidays would be the same, in order to encourage Emiratis to take up jobs in the private sector and to make private sector look attractive. However, for Eid Al-Fitr 2019, public holidays are 1-day more than the private holidays announced by MOHRE. But since the holidays are generous this year, no-one’s complaining.
What is Eid Al-Fitr?
Eid Al-Fitr, called as “Festival of Breaking the Fast” is one of Islam’s prominent and most celebrated holidays. Eid Al-Fitr markes the end of the fasting month of “Ramadan” and the starting of the month of “Shawwal”. Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan to stay away from worldly desires and focus on the values of empathy, charity, worship and patience. The festival was originated by Islam’s Prophet Mohammed.
Eid Al-Fitr in UAE
In UAE, Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated with festivities throughout the country. Dubai and Abu Dhabi especially celebrates Eid with grandeur, marking it with splendid fireworks.
Abu Dhabi – Fireworks are happening in Yas Marina, which can be viewed from any of the 9 restaurants on Yas Marina. Fireworks can also be seen from the “Tony’s Eid Fireworks Fun Cruise”.
Dubai – On the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, fireworks can be seen at Al Seef and La Mer at 9:30PM. On June 5 and June 6, a special water, light and fire show is happening at Dubai Festival City Mall between 8PM and 10PM.
Things to do in Dubai for Eid Al-Fitr 2019
There are plenty of things to do in Dubai during Eid Al-Fitr 2019 ranging from staycations, vacations to other exotic locations, activities and celebrations at almost every attraction in Dubai. It is a custom that people from other neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait visit Dubai to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr.
Staycations in Dubai
Rixos Premium Dubai, The Walk, JBR – AED 650/night onwards. Includes 2 tickets to La Perle show.
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Al Mamsha St, JBR – AED 899/night onwards. Includes buffet breakfast and lunch
JA Palm Tree Court, Mina Jebel Ali – AED 1190/night onwards, 30% discount
Rove at the Park, Dubai Parks & Resorts – AED 199/night onwards, Includes 2 tickets to Dubai Parks & Resorts
Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates – AED 810/night onwards, 10% discount
Jumeira Mina A’Salam, mm Suqeim – AED 2160/night onwards – 20% discount plus unlimited access to Wild Wadi Water park and Sindbad Kids club
Fairmont the Palm, Palm Jumeirah – AED 650/night onwards
Atlantis The Pam, Palm Jumeirah – AED 1184/night onwards – unlimited access to Aquaventure Waterparks and the Lost Chambers Aquarium plus 20% discount
Eid Escapes (Getaways) from Dubai 2019
It’s still not too late to plan an Eid vacation outside the country, someplace cooler with pleasant weather. Check out these vacation ideas and get in touch with a travel agent or online holiday portals.
Georgia – Just 3hours from Dubai, On-Arrival visa for UAE residents. Scenic country with lots of greenery and snow.
Baku, Ajerbaijan – Approx 3hrs from Dubai. Pleasant weather, mud volcanoes, lush greenery.
Jordan – 3hrs from Dubai. Historical country. Float in the dead sea. Explore Roman monuments.
Sri Lanka – 4.5hrs from Dubai. Greeneries, forts, beaches, dolphins and Elephants!
Salalah, Oman – 2hrs flight or 12hrs road trip from Dubai. Coconuts, Bananas, greeneries and more.
Eid Al-Fitr 2019 Offers in Dubai
All major outlets in most of the malls in Dubai will have special promotions and offers for Eid Al-Fitr 2019. There would also be a variety of shows and live entertainment organized at most of the malls in Dubai. Be sure to spend time in the malls and catch the live shows, marching bands and various performance artists dressed up as cartoon characters. Some malls such as Ibn Battuta mall conduct activities for kids to participate in.
Eid Buffets in Dubai
Try out these amazing offers for Eid buffet in Dubai from Groupon, Cobone etc.
5* Marriott Hotel, Al Jaddaf – From AED 65
Eid buffet with free-flowing Ramadan beverages
5* Grand Millennium Business Bay Canal – From AED 70
Eid buffet with drinks
Lagoon Restaurant at 4* Aryana Hotel – From AED 69
Eid brunch with free-flowing Ramadan juices
Eid Brunch at Golden Tulip Media Hotel – From AED 79
Eid Buffet or Eid Lunch Buffet with Drinks at Arabian Courtyard – From AED 79