Eid Holidays in UAE: A Tale of Empty Roads and Crowded Malls

Eid holidays UAE

Eid Holidays in UAE: A Tale of Empty Roads and Crowded Malls

As Eid Al Fitr approaches, residents in the UAE are experiencing a contrast of deserted roads and bustling shopping districts. With the long holiday break announced, hotels are witnessing a surge in occupancy rates, and airports are preparing for an influx of travelers.

Mohammed Anshah, a resident of Dubai, experienced an unusually smooth drive to the Karama fruits and vegetables market, with roads nearly empty. However, upon arrival, he encountered a different scene—a crowded meat section and long queues, indicating the beginning of the heavy Eid rush.

Similarly, Dubai resident Shahina M planned a quick visit to Meena Bazaar district for Eid shopping but found herself stuck in traffic for almost an hour due to overcrowded streets and a lack of parking spaces.

In Sharjah, scenes mirrored those of Dubai, with residents facing challenges navigating through busy shopping centers. Hina Javed described her ordeal while shopping on 'abaya street,' highlighting the difficulty in finding parking and resorting to alternative solutions to complete her purchases.

As travelers prepare for the holiday, Dubai Airport anticipates a surge in passenger traffic, with an estimated 3.6 million guests expected to pass through the airport from April 2-15. To avoid last-minute hassles, residents like Ajman's Parveen Becker have been proactive in their travel preparations, ensuring they have necessary arrangements in place well in advance.

For those opting for staycations, hotels across the UAE are experiencing high occupancy rates, with bookings soaring in anticipation of the long break. Vesselin Galov, Hotel Manager at Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, noted a significant increase in bookings following the announcement of the 9-day holiday period.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) CEO, Raki Phillips, emphasized the diverse range of activities available in RAK, attracting visitors with offerings such as mountain activities, cultural exploration, desert adventures, and more.

However, the holiday period also presents its own set of challenges, as observed by resident Ninu Hyder. When her son needed immediate medical attention, she struggled to find a doctor due to many regular practitioners being unavailable during the holiday period. Eventually, she managed to secure an appointment at a clinic in a mall, ensuring her son received the necessary care despite the challenges.

As Eid Al Fitr approaches, residents in the UAE are navigating through a mix of excitement for the holiday break and challenges posed by crowded malls, busy airports, and limited availability of services. Despite these obstacles, proactive planning and adaptability can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday experience for residents and travelers alike.