For children and adults alike, Eid Al Fitr before and after the formation of the UAE was a time of pure, unadulterated joy, rooted in simplicity and close-knit community ties. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Emirati researcher and historian Amna Ahmed Saber Al Dhanhani shared her fondest memories of how the festive season was celebrated in the past in the UAE.

Amna recalled that the celebrations began days in advance with the kneading of henna dough, a cherished ritual for young girls, women, and even some young boys and men.

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Emirati researcher and historian Amna Ahmed Saber Al Dhanhani

Preparations were modest; a single new outfit, often hand-stitched by mothers or local seamstresses in the neighbourhood (fareej), was enough to spark excitement.

“Mothers would also prepare Makhmaria, a traditional perfume, to welcome guests,” she recalled. Today, while the essence of Eid remains, the landscape of celebration has transformed dramatically, evolving from the humble Dh1 Eidiya and simple neighbourhood swings to lavish feasts, grand festivals, and modern amusement parks.

The Fawala (traditional hospitality spread) of the past was defined by what was available in the kitchen or what each family could afford.

“Some households managed to prepare Harees or Khabees alongside a few sweets, while others offered just a single dish,” Amna explained. Yet, the spirit of sharing was abundant.

Following the Eid prayer, the men of the community would gather at the home of the eldest family member or the grandfather, a tradition that reinforced the deep respect for elders. 

Shopping for Eid was equally straightforward. Families would head to the market only when Eid was announced or the day before. Purchases were limited and simple, reflecting the prevailing culture of contentment among the people.

Joy of Eidiya, simple games

For children, the highlight of Eid was undoubtedly the Eidiya. After the morning prayers, groups of children would roam the neighbourhood, visiting the homes of well-off families to collect their gifts. 

In the early days, the Eidiya was a single rupee, and later, when the dirham was introduced, receiving just Dh1 was considered the greatest joy.

Entertainment was equally modest. The primary game was the Mreehana (a traditional swing), made from a sturdy rope tied to a Samar tree in the middle of the fareej. This area was specially designated for girls, separate from the boys.

Eid al Fitr celebrations in Sharjah in 1960

Memories of Eid in Khorfakkan

Among her fondest memories, Amna highlighted, was the excitement of going to the market with her father once Eid was officially announced. “After the Isha prayer, we would visit the nearest market in the city of Khorfakkan. There, I would pick out my Eid essentials: a new pair of shoes, a fresh shayla (headscarf), and a few simple accessories,” she shared.

The festive atmosphere was further enlivened by the traditional Razfa and Ayala bands. For three days, the community would celebrate from Asr until Isha prayers, captivated by the rhythmic performances of these folk groups. “These moments remain some of my most beautiful Eid memories,” she added.

Today, Eid looks vastly different. While some traditions have faded, others endure, and new customs have emerged alongside the UAE’s rapid economic and urban development.

The modest Fawala has been replaced by lavish dining tables, overflowing with a wide variety of traditional dishes and modern delicacies. The Eidiya, too, has evolved. “It is no longer just one dirham,” Amna said. “Today, it ranges from Dh10 to Dh500, praise be to God.”

Modern celebrations now feature sprawling parks and public gardens that serve as breathing spaces for families and visitors across the country. Diverse festivals offer targeted and meaningful programmes, while theatrical plays entertain both children and adults.

However, some aspects of the past have diminished, but despite these changes, the core of Eid, a time of gratitude, family, and joy, remains deeply embedded in the Emirati spirit, bridging the cherished memories of the past with the vibrant celebrations of the present.