Eid al-Adha starts today, 23 September, and many of our clients across the Middle East will be on holidays for a few days after. So what is Eid? We thought we would take a quick look at the festival and also let you know how you can join in the celebrations.
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Eid al-Adha is the second of the two major Eid Muslim holidays. The date for the festival is set according to the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid al-Adha signifies the end of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Hajj pilgrimage attracts over two million pilgrims each year. On the day of celebration, people attend morning prayers, then visit family and friends and exchange food and gifts. After this they have a feast.
Eid-al-Fitr is the other major Islamic holiday and marks the end of Ramadan. It took place on 17 July this year.
In Qatar and Saudi Arabia the Eid al-Adha holidays are from 23 - 30 September. The UAE is from 23 - 26 September.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated around the world, but if you happen to be in Dubai for the long weekend there is a lot on to help you to celebrate!
Fortnum & Mason are offering two free meals for kids under 10 with every adult meal bought in their second floor Parlour near the Dubai Fountains.
For the more adventurous, the City Slide Dubai will be running at Motor City. You will be given a giant rubber ring to sit on while you slide down a slippery 1000 foot water chute as many time as you like within a 2 hour time slot!
A new theatrical production of Arabian Nights using humour, dance, music and puppets, suitable for children and adults, will be performed by Story Pocket Theatre. The show won an award at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It will be at the Centrepoint Theatre, Ductac.
If you’re after something a little more physical, you could take part in the Dubai Desert Road Run, a 10km race being run on the 26th at the Sevens Stadium on Al Ain Road. There is also a 3km fun run.
To help you relax after your run, the Urban Picnic Brunch at Vida Hotel’s 3in1 restaurant is discounted over the Eid weekend. They provide blankets and a picnic basket full of food and bubbly to be enjoyed by their pool.
Eid Mubarak!
For information on GP opportunities in the Gulf, contact Yan Scouller on +44 (0)131 240 5274 or email yan@headmedical.com.
For information on Consultant opportunities in The United Arab Emirates including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, contact Carol Mercer on +44 (0)131 240 5273 or email carol@headmedical.com.
For information on Consultant opportunities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, contact Annie Nicholson on +44 (0)131 240 5251 or email annie@headmedical.com.