Dubai becomes a lively city with numerous prospects for contemplation and merrymaking when the Islamic New Year is near. This special time is one of renewal, meaning people can restart their practices and rededicate themselves to spirituality and traditions. Regardless of whether it is solitude, cultural experience, or family bonding, there is a lot to do in Dubai.
Here are ten rewarding activities over the Islamic New Year weekend which all can afford to observe this significant holiday specially.
Make the Islamic New Year More Enriching!
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the greatest symbols of UAE’’s Islamic values & cultural history is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It supports more than 40,000 worshipers. Also, it has the world’s largest handmade carpet. Visitors can tour this masjid. They will learn about its architecture and Islamic religion and culture. The calm setting is good for meditation and prayer. It is especially good during the Islamic New Year celebration.
- Location: Al Rawdah – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
- Entry Fee: Free of Cost
- Timing:
Saturday, Monday to Thursday- 10 AM to 6 PM
Friday- 3 PM to 6 PM
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
It shows the history of Dubai with its wind-tower architecture. When you move around in its small streets you can see galleries, the Museum of Dubai and coffee shops. This place often presents a cultural show. It also has a series of workshops that showcase how the local Emirati people live and their traditions. It is a perfect location for a historical brainstorm; you can embrace Dubai’s cultural heritage for the weekend.
- Location- Al Fahidi in Dubai, UAE
- Entry Fee- Free of Cost
- Timing- 7 AM to 8 PM
Attend Islamic Lectures and Workshops
In different mosques and cultural institutions of Dubai, people arrange special meetings and seminars where the importance of the Islamic New Year is to be discussed and explained. These sessions comprise spirituality, Islamic history and the values of the society. Participation in these activities can help extend your knowledge of the holiday; a reflection that is beneficial at the beginning of the new year while creating a sense of camaraderie.
Enjoy a Traditional Emirati Meal
Savor exotic dishes at restaurants with Emirati cuisine or at least try Arabic coffee or tea and go to restaurants like Al Fanar or Arabian Tea House. These restaurants offer real Emirati cuisines like machboos; which is spiced rice with meat and luqaimat– a sweet dumpling. The laying down of the interiors in compliance with the standards of Arabian homes gives the diners a comfortable environment in which they share a meal with their loved ones during the festivities of the Islamic New Year.
Jumeirah Mosque
Situated at Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah Mosque without doubt is among the most attractive and most photographed mosques in Dubai. For the general public, which is not Muslim, it operates guided tours that pass information about the ways of life of Islamic communities. They engage people in discussion, so the place can be considered as a good one for the representatives of different cultures to get to know each other and to learn about Islam during the Islamic New Year.
- Location- Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
- Entry Fee- Free of Cost but if you are opting for a guided tour, it is AED 25 per person
- Timing- 10 AM daily except on Friday
Relax at a Desert Retreat
One can leave the bustle of the city by going to the desert to some of the resorts such as Bab Al Shams or Al Maha. These luxurious getaways come with several things to do including camel and desert tours. So at night people can enjoy the pleasure of stargazing while sitting in the darkness of the dune and contemplating during the holiday.
Attend a Cultural Festival
Dubai has programs that are associated with cultural Islamic celebrations such as performing arts, art exhibitions, and traditional music. It is a chance to consider the specificity of the culture, meet people, and appreciate the significance of the Islamic New Year concerning bright performances illustrating creativity in art.
Global Village
While Global Village is generally open throughout the winter days, it can open during the summer owing to some occasions like the Islamic New Year. This is a world showcase of cultural displays, country pavilions selling a variety of items and countries’ cuisine. This is a good means of developing and indulging in different cultures while also promoting togetherness.
- Location- 38C5+F57, Dubai, UAE
- Entry Fee- Starts from AED 22
- Timing- 4 PM to 12 AM
Quranic Park
The Quranic Park is situated in Al Khawaneej and it is an excellent addition of nature and religion in one place. It has sections with plants described in the Quran, touch tanks and technologies, and a cave of miracles to explain events from the Quran. It is more serene, especially in the evenings and during weekends when one can study the Quran and its teachings in a natural environment suitable for families.
- Location- 6FRC+4P4, Al Khawaneej 1, Dubai
- Entry Fee- Free of Cost to enter the park
The Cave of Miracles & Glass House- AED 5
- Timing- 9 AM to 9 PM
Dhow Cruise
Try a dinner cruise on a dhow, the Arabic wooden vessels used for fishing and Intercourse in ancient times, whether on Dubai Creek or Marina; cruise dinner while watching Dubai’s skyline stars would look marvelous. These are suitable for a quiet evening with a perfect contrast between the old and new Dubai in the backdrop.
- Location- Dubai Harbour (can change as per the agency from where booked)
- Entry Fee- The range generally starts from AED 100
Conclusion
All of these activities offer a wide and fruitful option to celebrate the Islamic New Year in Dubai. From spiritual touch and sightseeing to the other forms of figuring out the essence of the holiday and enjoying the true colors of the United Arab Emirates, every chance is worth taking.