The United Arab Emirates is one of the most dynamically developing countries in the world. The unique culture of this country, based on ancient Arab customs , is surprisingly combined with modern trends, which is manifested in all aspects of life of local inhabitants - architecture, music, sights , cuisine and, of course, holidays. It is about the main national and religious celebrations of the UAE that we will tell in more detail later in this article.
Religious holidays in the UAE
The absolute majority of local residents profess one of the three world religions - Islam, so many festivities in the country are of a religious nature. It's no secret that the date of such events is different each year and is determined in accordance with the Hijri calendar, based on the phases of the moon. Therefore, if you want to attend one of these kinds of celebrations, specify in advance the time of their holding.
Among the main religious holidays of the UAE are:
- Id al-Fitr is one of the most significant events in the life of every Muslim who marks the end of Ramadan. Observance of fasting during this period (the 9th month of the lunar calendar) is mandatory for all believers, therefore its completion is celebrated with great scope. According to tradition, at this time local people read prayers, give money to the poor and arrange home feasts. The phrase commonly used by Muslims as a greeting on this day - "Eid Mubarak" - in translation means "blessed day" and is the equivalent of the Russian "Happy Holidays!".
- Day Arafat is another important holiday in the UAE, celebrated by Muslims around the world about 70 days after Eid al-Fitr. It represents the last day of Hajj, the largest gathering of people in the world in one place. On this day at dawn, pilgrims travel from Mina to the neighboring mountain Arafat through the valley of the same name, where in 632 AD. the Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon. It is important to note that this is a relatively difficult journey that every believer must make at least once in his life.
- Kurban-Bayram is the main celebration in the Muslim calendar, which falls on the 10th day of the last month of the year. It marks the completion of the pilgrimage to Mecca and lasts 3 days. During the celebration, Muslims are sacrificed cow or sheep, after which all cooked food is divided into 3 equal parts: 1 remains family, 2 treat friends and relatives, 3 give to the poor and needy. Another symbol of Kurban-Bairam is a donation to charity in the form of money, food or clothing.
- Maulid is a holiday timed to the date of birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It is celebrated by Muslims in different countries on the 12th of the month of Rabi al-Awal. On this day, mosques, houses and other buildings are decorated with posters with verses from the Koran, in the evening marches are conducted with music and dancing, and food and money are donated to charity.
Public Holidays in UAE
In addition to numerous religious celebrations, there are also several important national holidays in the United Arab Emirates, which locals celebrate with no less scope. They have a fixed date, which does not change from year to year. These include:
- National Day of the UAE. This holiday, also known as Al-Eid al-Watani, falls on December 2 and is devoted to the unification of all 7 emirates into a single state. Usually this celebration is accompanied by numerous merry festivities throughout the country, parades and dances in national costumes, schools hold festive concerts and competitions. It is interesting that the days off for state employees can last a little longer than for employees of private enterprises.
- New Year is another holiday in the calendar in the UAE. Traditionally, it is celebrated on January 1 and is accompanied by loud festivities. Streets and houses are decorated with beautiful posters and garlands, and on the territory of hotels for tourists, whole concerts and a lot of other entertainments are organized. At 00:00 throughout the country, and especially in Abu Dhabi and Dubai , there are solemn salutes. As for the Muslim New Year, its date varies from year to year, and the holiday itself is rather modest. Usually on this day, believers go to the mosque and reflect on the failures of the past year.