Eid in Dubai and elsewhere is always a highlight of the annual calendar, with many enjoying memorable overseas escapes or visiting destinations around the UAE to savour lively family gatherings, tuck into delicious culinary creations, and get wrapped up in elevated staycations
Ramadan is well and truly underway, with every iftar and suhoor bringing us one step closer to Eid al-Fitr. A standout date in the region’s calendar, both for its cultural significance and for giving us a well-needed long weekend, Eid marks the end of Ramadan in style. Often called the ‘festival of breaking the fast’, the occasion is marked across the UAE with a special Eid prayer, long family visits, shared meals, and plenty of gift-giving.
As a PR agency with plenty of hospitality expertise entering our 15th Eid al-Fitr in Dubai, Katch has become more than familiar with the traditions and joyful rituals that make this holiday so special. Between working behind the scenes with our clients in the lead-up to Eid and keeping our finger on the pulse of what’s happening around the city, we’ve gathered our insider picks to ensure your holiday is unforgettable. So, if you’re looking for where to eat during Eid, where to book your next staycation, or where to find the best Eid deals, we’ve got you covered.
Dining Delights
After a month of fasting, it’s safe to say that tucking into mountains of food is one of the things we’re most looking forward to this Eid al-Fitr. This year, diners across the best restaurants in Dubai will truly be spoilt for choice as they go the extra mile to mark the holiday. One of these eateries is none other than beloved Emirati chain 71 Steak & Grill, known for its premium cuts and bold, flame-kissed flavours.
Building excitement for Eid, the brand’s Nad Al Sheba Mall branch is serving a sumptuous four-course set menu throughout the sacred season, perfect for savouring with family and friends. Highlights include the hearty Bulalo Soup, creamy Clay Hummus, and indulgent Date Cakes, offering a fresh take on traditional flavours. Complementing the culinary journey, 71 Steak & Grill will be introducing a Wagyu Sashimi special exclusively for Eid, featuring delicately sliced premium beef as a refined addition to the set menu.
About 30 minutes outside of the city, JA The Resort will also be serving its fair share of exceptional dining experiences, with JA Beach Hotel’s Eid Gala Dinner standing out as one of this year’s highlights. Taking place in the spacious, open-air Palmito Garden, this extravagant feast promises to impress even the most discerning foodies, combining fiery live cooking stations, global favourites, local flavours, indulgent desserts, and a dedicated kids’ section. Open to both in-house guests and visitors, this is your chance to gather family, load up your plate, and immerse yourself in the lively festive atmosphere.
Another JA property that’s pulling out all the stops for the holiday is the picturesque JA Hatta Fort Hotel, where diners can tuck into a delicious Eid BBQ brunch at Gazebo. Framed by the striking silhouettes of the Hajar Mountains, the experience is highlighted by succulent flame-grilled meats, indulgent desserts, and live music by a talented oud player and Emirati singer. Across the resort, guests can also look forward to an array of exciting activities, including adorable pony rides, playful games by the pool, kite flying, and a cosy family movie night under the stars.
Must-Try UAE Staycations
Some of the best hotels and resorts in Dubai always have the best Eid staycation offers. Located along the vibrant JBR promenade, JA Ocean View Hotel is the ideal destination to soak up the spring sunshine and festive energy. Tailored to the occasion, the property’s Eid Escape has all the ingredients for a memorable escape, complete with a daily buffet breakfast, exclusive savings on food and drinks, a complimentary padel session, and plenty more exciting perks.
Hotels in Abu Dhabi also have their fair share of tempting Eid staycations, and it doesn’t get much better than an all-inclusive escape at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi. Designed for stays of two nights or more, this is the ultimate way to make the most of the long weekend, spend time with loved ones, or enjoy a bit of sightseeing in the capital. Ensuring every moment of the celebration feels special, guests can look forward to a jam-packed entertainment programme with expert-led fitness classes, thrilling activities for little ones, and family-friendly fun, as well as a generous Eid buffet brunch at Terra Mare.
Last-Minute Getaways
Alternatively, take the festivities overseas by booking a tropical getaway for a truly memorable Eid al-Fitr. Nestled on the southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, close to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort offers something to delight wellness seekers, couples, and families alike. Matching the energy of the occasion, this stunning sanctuary is rolling out a four-day programme of celebrations that promise the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.
Bringing a taste of tradition to the golden shores of the Maldives, the property is set to host an array of Arabic-inspired dining experiences throughout the holiday, including an extravagant beach BBQ dinner complete with fire dancers and a live DJ. Keeping all ages well entertained, guests can also expect sunset cocktail hours, swirling Tanoura performances, a Milkshake-Making masterclass for kids, and a once-in-a-lifetime snorkelling with nurse sharks experience.
When it comes to winding down, the award-winning AVI Spa presents a wide variety of signature treatments, personalised wellness journeys by visiting practitioners, and guided yoga sessions, all designed to help you find your inner zen.
Also located in the Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is the ultimate destination for families seeking a tropical twist on the Eid festivities. From March 20thto 22nd, the underwater-themed private island setting will come to life with a whole host of exciting activities and celebrations designed for sharing the occasion with loved ones. Dive straight into the action by swimming alongside graceful manta rays with a guided snorkelling excursion, find your rhythm with an authentic Maldivian drumming Boduberu Masterclass, or belt out your favourite hits at the Mirage Karaoke Night.
In addition to family fun, little ones are also well taken care of with exciting happenings such as a lazy river race, a hilarious limbo challenge, and an interactive crêpe cooking class where kids can whip up their own delicious creations. Meanwhile, older children can head to the pool for a water polo challenge before finishing the evening at the E-Zone with a lively game night. In addition to all the exciting festivities, parents can also savour some well-earned ‘me time’ with a signature Maldivian wellness ritual at SPA Cenvaree.
Eid is ultimately about spending meaningful time with the people who matter most, and the long weekend offers the perfect chance to do just that. With so many incredible dining experiences, relaxing escapes, and exciting adventures waiting across the UAE and beyond, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. Wherever the holiday takes you, the most important part is gathering loved ones, embracing the festive spirit, and creating memories together.
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