Eid Al-Fitr celebrations in the United Arab Emirates continue to preserve cherished traditions as extended families gather in ancestral homes to strengthen bonds across generations. The blessed holiday brings together grandparents, parents, and grandchildren in what locals call the “Old House,” reinforcing the role of the extended family as a cornerstone of cultural authenticity and social connection. According to family counselors and cultural observers, these gatherings revive traditional customs while spreading joy through mutual visits among relatives, neighbors, and friends.
The festival provides an opportunity for elders to reunite with children and grandchildren, sharing memories of simpler times while presenting “Eidiya” cash gifts to younger family members. This practice strengthens social bonds and instills noble values through inherited customs that restore warmth to family relationships during this important religious occasion.
Extended Family Gatherings During Eid Al-Fitr
Grandparents recall memories of the past during Eid Al-Fitr, remembering how families once lived in loving and cooperative environments. Family members celebrate authentic traditions as happiness fills their homes. The young and old gather together, exchanging conversations and gifts in an atmosphere of hospitality and generosity, which reinforces bonds of affection and increases cohesion and compassion.
Bahiya Mohammed, a family counselor, noted that Eid Al-Fitr provides grandparents with a chance to gather children and grandchildren while recalling past details as if reliving them today. They smile and speak about those days with love, remembering the simplicity, togetherness, and traditional games, according to her observations.
Traditional Customs and Values
Houses become fragrant with incense and perfumes as grandparents prepare special Eid refreshments and present cash gifts to children. These beautiful memories remain engraved in children’s minds across generations, where manifestations of joy glow and customs shine. Everyone harmonizes within the large family structure, strengthening kinship ties and communication with the extended family while increasing feelings of happiness and pride.
Maitha Al Mansouri, a mother, explained that Eid continues to spread joy in the same traditional manner. This manifests through various celebrations including Eid prayers, visiting relatives and friends, and gathering in ancestral homes to share traditional foods. Meanwhile, families serve dishes such as harees, khabees, luqaimat, arsiya, and balaleet alongside Arabic coffee, with the scent of oud and incense wafting from homes.
Preserving Heritage Through Eid Celebrations
Al Mansouri clarified that while some aspects of Eid have evolved regarding decorations and furnishings, families compete to present their homes in the finest appearance. Additionally, they elaborate on the “fawala” presentation, which features an abundance of foods, fruits, and sweets representing traditional hospitality.
Storyteller Saeeda Al Wahedi considered Eid Al-Fitr as arriving laden with happiness, bringing joy to grandparents when children and grandchildren gather. Everyone prepares for this occasion beforehand by purchasing new clothes, sweets, preparing children’s gifts, and arranging incense. Joy reaches its peak on Eid day as families welcome children who learn values of generosity through exchanging greetings with extended family members and neighborhood residents.
Cultural Heritage and Community Values
Stories of the past are recalled, including how grandparents experienced Eid celebrations while listening to traditional folk tales that carry meaningful messages and values. However, these narratives serve not merely as entertainment but as vehicles for transmitting cultural wisdom across generations.
Noura Al Yamahi reminisced about past memories, explaining that ancestral homes during Eid Al-Fitr expand to embrace extended family members including grandparents, uncles, neighbors, and friends. Affection and mercy prevailed among community members, where women cooperated in sewing Eid clothes and preparing refreshments. In contrast to modern times, she recalled Eid being associated with grandmothers and mothers gathering to apply henna on girls’ hands, wearing new traditional garments before heading to Eid prayers, and playing on traditional swings that dominated neighborhoods.
These traditions continue today as families maintain their commitment to visiting grandparents, reflecting values of love, solidarity, and cohesion that characterize Emirati society. The continuation of these practices ensures that younger generations remain connected to their cultural heritage and family traditions.
