The way UAE nationals celebrate Eid has changed since the inception of the UAE federation in 1971.
Many new traditions, taken mainly from expatriate Arabs and Indians, have been incorporated into the culture of the UAE society.
However, the emergence of new ways to celebrate has not changed the concept: the joy associated with Eid has never changed, nationals have told Emirates Today.
There are more than 200 nationalities living in harmony in the UAE.
"Each nationality adds different and colourful effects to Eid celebrations," said Aseela Rashid, a 60 year old national woman, also known as Umm Ibrahim.
She said the main thing about Eid is keeping family ties and relations together.
"The main thing about Eid is to remember family members and friends.
"It is also an occasion to reinforce respect for the elders in the family. For example, on the first day of Eid, it is a must for the younger person to visit the elder ones and greet them.
"This does not come from obligation, but from love and respect to the elderly." Umm Ibrahim said that her sons and daughters visit her with their husbands, wives and children on the first day of Eid.
"They come to my house, and from here we move to my parents' house. We spend the day there and have lunch at their house." She said this tradition is the same in all Muslim countries.
"I have neighbors from various Arab and Asian countries and all of them follow the same tradition." Maryam Saeed, a 45 year old national housewife from Al Ain and a mother of six, said the main way their Eid has been influenced by other nationalities living here is in terms of Eid food and sweets.
"For example, the main sweet dishes we make on Eid are Khabeesa and Omani Halwa. However, in past years, new types of Arabic sweets became the main sweets such as Baklawa, Basbosa, Petitfours and chocolates. Some people also make sewain or vermicelli in sweetened milk, which is an Indian and Pakistani sweet specially made on Eid.
These dishes were not here before." She added that the main course they cook on Eid has also changed.
"Now, we make biryani which is originally an Indian dish." Maha Abdul Qader, anoth er 28 year old national girl, said that the activities they now enjoy during Eid have also undergone a change.
"For example, we never used to go out from the first to the third day of Eid.
"These days were spent vis iting family members and friends. However today, we go to shopping malls in the evening as well as theatres.We also take children to play areas, and these have been taken from the traditions of Arab families living.
By Muna Ahmad
© Emirates Today 2006
