Residents celebrate ‘virtual Eid’ as they stay at home

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

Friends and families across Dubai are embracing a range of innovative ways to celebrate and mark Eid Al Fitr this year, while following government protocols, social distancing and staying home to stay safe.

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) rounds up the best ways to keep everyone in the household entertained throughout the Eid holiday, connect with local communities, and most importantly, have fun while staying indoors.

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With Eid looking very different this year, Dubai Calendar is extending its hugely successful “Live From Dubai” programme beyond Ramadan and will run the sessions throughout the Eid Al Fitr holiday. The schedule is bursting with fun, interactive, engaging and feel good activities covering fitness, food, live music, DJ Sets, art and culture, comedy and so much more. Allowing residents to really make the most of their time at home, the performances, workshops and demonstrations are from some of the city’s best talent.

The Centre advised that the Eid prayer can be perform inside the house by an individual worshipper or by a group of family members.

The programme is kept under wraps until revealed on the Dubai Calendar Instagram page, but residents can expect to see local chefs, musical artists, fitness gurus and crafting experts.

Pearl FM UAE has families covered with their new series “The Eid Edition,” which will run every day from Sunday to May 30 on their Instagram page.

The radio station has created an exciting line-up of shows, which will suit children of all ages; dive into the world of books with Aaditya, get your game on with Ramsey Khalifeh or look out for tricks by local favourite Magic Phil. Guaranteed fun for children throughout the Eid break.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding: Bridging communities and connecting people is a key initiative at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) and this Eid, they will take to their Instagram platform to provide three live sessions with cultural experts.

On Sunday, Abdulla Al Serkal, SMCCU Director will host a special seminar embracing the spirit of Eid and the festive season. The following day (Monday), Ahmed Al Jafflah, Protocol Manager at SMCCU, will tell audiences about the historical days of Eid and how the region’s predecessors recognised the holiday. On the final day of Eid (May 26), local entrepreneur Mohammed Kazim, co-founder of high-end Dubai-based footwear brand Tamashee, will speak to residents about reviving traditions of Eid and the cultural inspirations which remain all around us.

On May 28, India’s best-selling comedian Vir Das will perform a one of a kind comedy show from his home to help keep the masses entertained and laughing in front of their laptops or mobile phones. The show, Ha Ha Habibi is a timely gift for audiences in the UAE who need a break from the endless TV box sets and working from home grind.

Popular comedy duo Ali Al Sayed and Mina Liccione will be taking over the Dubomedy Facebook page for a live show filled with tickling humour, special guests, musicians, circus acts and a bundle of surprises on Sunday. All age groups are welcome to join the online celebration, with advance booking required to secure a virtual spot.

Normally performed at mosques and Mussalas, but this year, and due to the current exceptional circumstances created by the spread of COVID-19, Eid Al Fitr will be performed at home, either individually, or in a congregation of family members led by the father, without Khutba, or sermon, according to the Official Fatwa Centre, WAM reported.

In a statement, the Centre said that Eid Al Fitr prayer is a Sunnah Muakkadah (highly recommended) for settled and able-bodied men, while it is optional, yet recommended for women, under-age children and travellers.

The Centre also detailed the means by which the prayer is performed inside the house by an individual worshipper or by a group of family members.

Eid prayer is made of two rak’ahs (bows) but it starts with seven Takbeers (saying Allah Akbar) in the first Rak’ah and six in the second. After Takbeers, the individual worshipper or Imam (prayer leader) must loudly read Surat Al Fatiha, the first chapter in the holy Quran, and full or part of verses from another Sura.