Our guide of things to do during Eid Al Adha 2017 in the UAE

With Eid Al Adha set to begin on September 1 and holidays announced for both the public and private sectors, we have made your weekend planning easier by putting together a quick guide of things to do over the break.

Watch the fireworks

If you want to see the skies light up in celebration of the holiday head to these locations around the UAE to get the best views. But, as always, be sure to get there early because it's likely to get quite crowded.

Travel

For those who are ready to travel abroad for the holiday, there’s no shortage of places to go.

Skyscanner has revealed a list of the 10 best European city breaks for UAE residents.

From Rome to Paris to London, the online travel company has shared information on how much a short trip to these popular cities will cost you.

Dnata travel has also launched five new holiday packages just in time for Eid that include economy flights, accommodation and all taxes to some beautiful destinations including Sri Lanka, Baku, and the Maldives.

Staycations

With the long weekend almost upon us, there are certain spots around the UAE sure to be packed, and while some places are unavoidable, if you don’t want to be caught in a long traffic queue getting from A to B, it might be better to stay home.

For those who want to feel like they are on holidays, but don't want to travel, a staycation is the best option.

There are some great deals across the UAE that include very low rates at luxury hotels.

Brunches

For those who prefer to spend Eid with friends and family out at brunch, we've rounded up some of the best brunch deals around the Emirates for the holiday weekend.

Five family fun activities to do

The Mall at World Trade Centre is hosting a three-day Eid Carnival from Friday through Sunday (September 1-3) which will see the mall will be transformed into an entertainment paradise with a famous kids' circus from Italy to perform, as well as acrobatic acts, giant puppets and stage shows.

There will also be some Arabic heritage entertainment acts including Emirati Ayala dancers, Lanbese Dabke dance show, Egyptian Tanoura dancer, and Henna art.

Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi is also offering three days packed with family fun.

Entertainment will range from live stage shows from Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Magical Toy Store, and Beauty and the Beast, to traditional Arab dance groups. The shows and performances run from 3pm-10pm until Sunday (September 3).

Family and friends can celebrate Eid with Dubai Properties by heading to their popular destinations (Bay Avenue, Bay Squre in Business Bay and JBR) to enjoy a range of live events. The Al Yallah and Dabke dance groups will perform various folk dances, while henna and calligraphy artists will be on hand to create personalised memorabilia evoking the earlier days in the UAE.

If a theme park trip is more your speed, head to Riverland Dubai and enjoy a wide range of activities, and as a bonus, the parking is free. There will be a dazzling firework display, as well as traditional Arabic coffee handed out for free at the entrances of The French Village and India Gate.

There will also be various street performances from Hotel Transylvania and the Smurfs to meet and greet with children.

Yas Island will continue their #SayYastoEid event, which runs from from September 1-9. During this period, visitors can head enjoy the waterside promenade at Yas Marina, which will host live DJs and offer a selection of interactive games as well as food truck snacks.

If you prefer being inside, head to Yas Mall and enjoy traditional Ayala performances as well as henna and Arabic ‘gahwa’ (coffee) with dates.

Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld are other family-friendly options. Ferrari World will have storytelling shows, a cultural village, mazes and falconry while Yas Waterworld will have family-friendly games at the “The Amwaj” area.