As Eid al-Adha approaches, Dubai is abuzz with festivities. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has ordered early salary payments for government employees, allowing them to prepare for the Islamic “Festival of Sacrifice” expected around June 15th or 16th. This significant holiday holds immense cultural and religious importance for UAE residents. With an extended break, families will gather, exchange gifts, offer prayers, and reaffirm their faith. For those staying in Dubai, the city offers an array of exciting activities during Eid al-Adha. From exploring architectural marvels like the Burj Khalifa to indulging in thrilling adventures at IMG Worlds of Adventure, this vibrant emirate promises an unforgettable experience for all.
The Towering Burj Khalifa
No trip to Dubai is complete without seeing the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. This massive skyscraper stands at an incredible 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall! You can take an elevator up to the 148th floor observation deck called At The Top SKY. From up there, you’ll get amazing views overlooking the entire city below. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
While at the Burj Khalifa, be sure to watch the Dubai Fountain show too. The fountains dance and shoot water streams up to 500 feet in the air, choreographed to music and colored lights. It’s a dazzling display that happens every 30 minutes in the evenings.
The Enormous Dubai Mall
Right next to the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall – one of the largest shopping malls in the world. This place is absolutely massive, with over 1,200 stores and attractions inside. You could spend days here and still not see everything!
Some highlights include the Dubai Aquarium, which has an incredible underwater tunnel where you can watch sharks and rays swim overhead. There’s also an indoor ice rink for skating, a huge cinema with luxury seating, and the Dubai Dino – a really cool dinosaur exhibit with animatronic models.
Old Dubai at Al Fahidi
For a glimpse of how Dubai looked in the past, check out the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. This area has been preserved with traditional Arab buildings made from stone, mud, and teak wood beams. As you wander the narrow alleyways, you’ll feel transported back in time.
Be sure to visit the Dubai Museum located in the old Al Fahidi Fort. Here you can see exhibits on Dubai’s roots as a small fishing village and learn about the Bedouin culture of the region before the modern city emerged. It’s a fascinating look at Dubai’s history.
Stay in a Holiday Home
A fun option during the Eid holidays is to rent out an entire villa or apartment with your extended family or friends. That way you can all stay together and have more space compared to a hotel. There are lots of these short-term rental homes available across Dubai.
One company called fäm Living has over 350 properties just for holiday stays. Having your own place allows you to cook meals together, host gatherings, and make it feel like a true home away from home vacation.
Indoor Theme Park Adventures
For a thrilling day of rides and entertainment, head to IMG Worlds of Adventure. This massive indoor theme park has zones themed after Marvel superheroes, Cartoon Network characters, dinosaurs, and more.
You can ride heart-pounding roller coasters, watch immersive multimedia shows, and meet your favorite characters roaming around the park. With over 25 rides and attractions, it’s the perfect spot for an adrenaline rush no matter your age.