21 ways to celebrate Eid Al Fitr in Abu Dhabi
Book a hotel:
01. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara
Head to the secluded Liwa desert for a hotel stay that’ll have you feeling like you’ve left civilisation behind completely. An overnight stay, including breakfast for two, starts at Dhs1,500. Be sure to check out the spa and camel trekking on offer while you’re there.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara, Liwa, Abu Dhabi, Dhs1,500. Tel: (02) 8862088. Taxi: Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa. qasralsarab.anantara.com
02. Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort
Head to the Western Region for a getaway for a family of four. From Dhs899 you can stay in a five-star resort and avail 45 minutes of complimentary non-motorised sports, buffet breakfast and a 20 per cent discount on beauty and massage treatments.
Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Jebel Dhanna, Abu Dhabi, Dhs899. Tel: (02) 8012222. Taxi: Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Jebel Dhanna, Western Region. danathotels.com
03. Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan By Rotana
The Weekend Escape package includes buffet breakfast at Horizon restaurant, one watersport activity for two, late checkout and a 20 per cent discount on food and beverages.
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan By Rotana, Al Khubeirah, AbuDhabi, Dhs570. Tel: (02) 6570657. Taxi: Khalidiya Palace. rotana.com
04. Celebrate late
Avail the ‘stay for free’ package at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr from July 12 to September 30 that sees room rates start from Dhs600 per night, inclusive of a complimentary Dhs600 food and beverage credit per night – so you can eat for free!
Watch a movie:
05. Independence Day: Resurgence
After 20 years of peace, the aliens are back and angrier than ever (cue the Burj Khalifa smashing into London). While Will Smith is noticeably absent, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman and Brent Spinner join fresh faces to fight the battle to save humanity.
06. Sultan (Hindi)
This underdog story sees Salman Khan star as a small town wrestler gain fame in India for winning a gold medal. After a long hiatus Khan returns to the sport, but needs a trainer to whip him into shape. In true Bollywood style, expect a couple of colourful dance numbers.
07. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows
The heroes in a half shell are back, taking on Shredder (who’s got his hands on a dangerous serum) before he destroys the world. Fellow mutant baddies Bebop and Rocksteady are also on hand to add to the carnage.
Head to Yas Island:
08. Yas Marina
The marina will be showing animate film Surf’s Up on Eid weekend. Inflatable seating will be set up inside and around the water fountain so children can keep cool while watching the movie. There’ll also be a Bedouin tent, a folk singer and music on offer at Iris.
July 7, 8
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 8pm, free. Tel: (02) 4062000. Taxi: Yas Marina. yasmarina.ae
09. Yas Waterworld
Expect to see characters from Iftah Ya Simsim (the Arabic version of Sesame Street) wandering the park, DJs, interactive games (ping pong, limbo contest, etc) as well as traditional drummers.
Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs240. Tel: (02) 4142000. Taxi: Yas Waterworld. yaswaterworld.com
10. Ferrari World
During the weekend expect additional entertainment and acts including a falcon handler, bubble performer, balloon twister and henna artist. What’s more, children aged 18 and younger will be given ‘Eidiyyah’ vouchers worth Dhs10 to load up on merchandise.
Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 11am to 10pm, Dhs275. Tel: (02) 4968000. Taxi: Ferrari World. ferrariworldabudhabi.com
11. Yas Marina Circuit
For every two Arrive and Drive karting experiences you buy at Yas KartZone you’ll get a third one free. yasmarinacircuit.com
Go to a concert:
12. Eid Concert
Fans of Lebanese singer Myriam Fares and Iraqi composer/singer Waleed Al Shami should check out this special Arabic concert. The stars are tightlipped about their exact setlist but you should expect a selection of well-known classics as well as newer material.
July 8
Al Raha Beach Theatre, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi, timings vary, Dhs150 to Dhs350. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Al Raha Beach Theatre. tixbox.com
Feast at brunch:
13. Eastern Mangroves Hotel And Spa By Anantara
Head to Ingredients all-day dining restaurant on the first day of Eid for a special holiday brunch that will feature live cooking stations, international dishes and one of the best dessert spreads in town.
Eastern Mangroves Hotel And Spa By Anantara, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs260 with soft drinks. Tel: (02) 6561000 Taxi: Eastern Mangroves.
abu-dhabi.anantara.com
14. Al Raha Beach Hotel
Celebrate the end of Ramadan with a brunch at Sevilla restaurant. Hosted on the second day of Eid, there’ll also be a live band and special area for children.
Al Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs195. Tel: (02) 5080555. Taxi: Al Raha Beach Hotel. danathotels.com
15. Hakkasan
Eat Chinese food this weekend with a special four-course brunch menu that will see guests digging into the signature Peking duck station, wild prawn in homemade chilli and a selection of patisseries.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, noon until 4pm, Dhs245 to Dhs495. Tel: (02) 6907793. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com
16. Hilton Capital Grand
Expect live cooking stations as well as a range of Asian, Indian and international dishes at this buffet. While you are there check out the desserts at Oceana restaurant and the Umsyat tent.
July 6, 7
Hilton Capital Grand, Al Madina Al Riyadiya, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs195 with soft drinks. Tel: (02) 6170000. Taxi: Hilton Capital Grand, Airport Road. hilton.com
17. InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Selections all-day dining restaurant will host an Eid Al Fitr brunch on the first and second day of Eid. There’ll be face painting and a playroom for the kids too. For those who would prefer Lebanese cuisine, Byblos Sur Mer will offer a special set menu on the first day of Eid, and there’ll be live entertainment too.
InterContinental, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm, Dhs199 to Dhs260 Selections, Dhs215 to Dhs295 Byblos. Tel: (02) 6666888.Taxi: Intercontinental Hotel. dining-intercontinental-ad.ae
Go to the mall:
18. Cringe at a contortionist
Yas Mall will be putting on Jungle Cirque, a live stage show that features contortionists, acrobats and gymnasts. And for the kids there’ll be a Lego City workshop and life-size board games at Hamleys.
July 6 to 9
Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 4146401. Taxi: Yas Mall. yasmall.ae
19. Look at calligraphy
Head to The Galleria during the first two days of Eid to pieces by local calligrapher and graffiti artist Dia’a Allam, a falcon display, arts and crafts activities for the kids and performances from an Ayyalah band.
The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, timings vary. Tel: (02) 6166999. Taxi: Galleria on Al Maryah. thegalleria.ae
20. Meet some mutants
Take the little ones to see the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on stage at Marina Mall. Tickets to the show include access to an activity area and an obstacle course.
Marina Mall, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 4.30pm, Dhs25 to Dhs50. Tel: (800) 6623. marinamall.ae
21. Ramadan and Eid Festival
Head to Adnec to take in some traditional shopping, Arabic food and games.
Until July 5
Adnec, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 1am, Dhs10. Tel: (02) 4446900. Taxi: Adnec. adnec.ae