Eid festivities in UAE: Here's how to plan your week-long holiday

Why fret if your last-minute planning has fallen through for the week-long break that has been bestowed upon us during Eid Al Adha this year?

With the number of events, weekend deals and star-studded concerts planned across the UAE, you will not have a moment’s rest in keeping those diaries filled with entertainment lining up along the way.

Here’s a cut-and-keep day planner for you to enjoy.

Sunday – Day 1

Beach fair or fashion frolic

Grab the kids and enjoy the cooling weather with a day of fun-filled frolic at Umm Suqueim 2, Jumeirah for the Beach family fair, where parents and children can let their hair down at this fun event on the open beach, which feature shows, water-based activities, games, and much more daily from 10am to 9pm.

Those who wish to quench their thirst or hunger can also visit the many food kiosks that will be set up at this beach event.

However, if the outdoors isn’t your thing, then head over to the Mall of the Emirates for the Harper’s Bazaar World of Fashion  - an annual luxury and fashion event, which celebrates and showcases the latest autumn/winter collections.

This high profile fashion initiative is hosted by Mall of the Emirates and includes a series of catwalk shows, exhibitions, competitions and VIP soirees.

Now in its fifth year, the World of Fashion has attracted over 50,000 fashionable shoppers to-date. Luxury brands that have participated previously include Dior, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Lanvin, Versace, Ralph Lauren and Harvey Nichols.

Monday – Day 2

Cricketing fever

If you are a fan of cricket, then all roads will lead to the Sheikh Zayed Stadium as two giants, namely Pakistan and South Africa will put their best foot forward for the first test match between the two nations for the Cool and Cool Cup.

The test series runs until Friday, October 18. So if you happen to have plans on Monday, book yourself a ticket on any of the other days and watch your favourite players run-up the thrill factor.

Gates open 9am, match starts 10am. Tickets priced at: corporate VIP Seats (Catered) Dh450. Call: 055 901 0795


Tuesday – Day 3

Gastronomic indulgence

What is an Eid celebration without a scrumptious meal to indulge in for that decadent pleasure over the holidays?

We are loving the treats and the tit bits on offer at Rixos The Palm Dubai with different offers varying from international and Turkish buffet brunch or a BBQ by the pool with family and friends.

The stunning property has a host of dining delights on offer for the first and second days of Eid, starting with an extravagant array of international and Turkish buffet brunch at A La Turca – All Day Dining Restaurant, including an exciting kids’ buffet, delicious traditional Turkish ice cream stand, fun games and activities for your kids at Rixy Club corner while you get dazzled by a belly dancer during brunch and dinner.

All this for Dh210 for just food, Dh250 inclusive of soft drinks or Dh310 for additional select beverages.

If Turkish doesn’t delight, then authentic Italian awaits to be savoured at their L’Olivo Ristorante with a selection of homemade Italian signature dishes and immuring it into an elegant cuisine, with a live jazz band to smooth any stresses away.

Meanwhile, for those who prefer a more laid back Eid day celebration, the hotel’s pool bar will feature a live BBQ station for Dh120 per person, with a day use of facilities for Dh250.

Go on and indulge yourself for a day of fun rest and relaxation on The Palm.

Wednesday – Day 4

Jay Sean concert

Look who’s returning to Dubai yet again but the super talented Jay Sean.

The British singer-songwriter, rapper, beat boxer and record producer are the breakthrough success story that Asian singers can only dream of.

Debuting in the UK’s Asian Underground scene as a member of the Rishi Rich Project with ‘Dance With You’, which reached at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart in 2003.

This led to him being signed to Virgin Records and having two UK top 10 hits as a solo artist in 2004: ‘Eyes On You’ and ‘Stolen’. They were included in his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Me Against Myself’, which sold more than two million copies across Asia and remains his most successful album to date.

In 2009, his American debut single ‘Down’ topped the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first solo artist of South Asian origin and first UK urban act to top the Hot 100.

It was the seventh-best selling song of 2009, having sold more than three million copies in the United States that year, eventually reaching four million sales in the US and six million sales worldwide, making him the most successful British/European male urban artist in US chart history.

The talent powerhouse will be at Chi @ The Lodge from 10pm to 3am, with tickets priced at Dh150.

Thursday – Day 5

Weekend indulgence

Escape to sheer solitude in the stunningly desert hideaway resort of Tilal Liwa Hotel, located in the majestic Rub Al Khali Desert.

With room rates from Dh799 per night, guests can stay at a Tilal Liwa Superior Room and receive complimentary breakfast for two adults and two children below five years of age during the Eid Al Adha break.

Immerse yourself in an authentic Arabian adventure and go dune bashing, quad biking, camel riding, sand boarding or simply lounge around the infinity pool overlooking the rolling dunes.

Or you can simply stay at the comfort of your hotel room since the property offers the finest cuisine through its all-day dining restaurant or 24-hour room service.

Plan as early as now to avail of the special Eid package, which is valid until 19th October 2013. Maximum of two children between 12 years can stay in the room on existing bedding.

Advance booking is required as room is subject to availability.

Friday – Day 6

Kidsfest Abu Dhabi

If you are spending the previous night in Abu Dhabi, then what better way to extend the celebrations that by rounding up the family for a fun day trip to KidsFest Abu Dhabi at Zayed Sports City.

Only one of the biggest family events happening this Eid Al Adha, there will be street performers, stage shows, stalls with great prizes, interactive displays and competitions that are fun for all the family.

There will also be loads of competitions, including one searching for Abu Dhabi’s fittest kid.

Entry is free.

Saturday – Day 7

Global Village

The fun entertainment fair is back and families are set to have an amazing day out when they visit Global Village during the Eid holiday season with a mix of entertainers that will offer something for everyone to enjoy.

Many of the shows have been seen around the globe including the world famous Edinburgh Festival.  Families can look forward to being amazed by the pyrotechnics of the Lords of Lightning who will perform three times a day until 25th October.

Their show features two performers dressed in special metal suits who harness the power of four million volts to direct bolts of lightning between them and into the night sky – a show not to be missed.

Quick Change performers Stoil and Ekaterina are an award winning magic act from Europe who has regularly graced venues in Hollywood and around the world.

Their show will be on three times a day until November 1 and features music, amazing visual and magic effects combined with instant costume changes.

Australia’s leading comic daredevil “Ernest the Magnifico” will be performing Ernesto’s rocking ‘Stunt Show’.  The show will feature a highly flying stunt car, a heart stopping pogo stick act all done with an engaging comic approach to bring a smile to every audience.

He will be performing three times a day until the end of the Eid in Dubai festival on October 19.

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