Eid Al Adha falls on July 30 and lasts until August 2 this year, giving most of the UAE’s workers a four-day weekend.
And with most attractions now open again, there are lots of options for residents and Emiratis on how to spend their spare time during the coming holiday.
Life is close to normal across much of the UAE but all public places and attractions need to adhere to strict safety measures.
Masks remain mandatory and social distancing is still required.
Here is a guide to what’s open in the country, whether you are planning a few hours out or are looking at short staycation deals.
What's open in Dubai?
In Dubai, malls, gyms, sports academies and fitness clubs, as well as cinemas have all reopened, with continued social distancing and regular disinfection.
Beaches, parks and swimming pools, both at hotels and inside residential communities, are also up and running, as are waterparks.
Entertainment centres and game arcades are once again welcoming children in Dubai, with strict precautions in place.
Attractions such as The Green Planet, Burj Khalifa, Ski Dubai, Dubai Aquarium and others are admitting visitors.
IMG Worlds of Adventure became the latest theme park to open in mid-July and is operating on a pay-as-you-go basis.
However, Dubai Parks and Resorts, which is home to Legoland, Motiongate and Bollywood Parks, remain closed.
Abu Dhabi cinemas are closed but theme parks to reopen before Eid
In Abu Dhabi, more attractions have reopened recently.
Warner Bros World, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Clymb will all welcome visitors back for the first time in months on Wednesday.
All three will operate at 30 per cent capacity, with stringent precautionary safety measures to ensure the safety of guests and employees.
That means everyone, including those with annual passes, must go online to book ahead.
The theme parks joined Louvre Abu Dhabi, and other museums, including Qasr Al Hosn, which opened for the first time more than four weeks ago since they were closed back in March.
Malls, gyms, public beaches and parks are also now open, in addition to restaurants both inside and outside malls.
Hotel swimming pools have also now reopened in the emirate, but are yet to restart in communities.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is still not open yet to visitors, and Al Ain Zoo also remains closed.
Cinemas are also not welcoming movie fans in Abu Dhabi, either.
But it is possible to visit the drive-through cinema at Yas Marina Circuit on Friday evening.
Weekend staycation options in the Northern Emirates
Hotels and malls are open in the Northen Emirates.
Cinemas have also reopened in Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Ajman.
In Ras Al Khaimah, the Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline is also operational again.
With hotels open, staycations are also an option.
Hotel occupancy rates in Abu Dhabi have risen by 3 per cent year-on-year since July 1, according to The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
But anyone entering Abu Dhabi requires a negative PCR test – a factor that people need to consider if they are looking to travel to the emirate.
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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The Indoor Cricket World Cup
When: September 16-23
Where: Insportz, Dubai
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
