Abu Dhabi will be alive this Eid with a festival-load of fun and entertainment. "The emirate's Eid Fest programme is packed with activities throughout its malls, attractions and hotels, making Abu Dhabi a fabulous short-break getaway for visitors from other emirates and GCC countries," said Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director Tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).
Included in the line up are appearances from October 3rd–6th by ‘Transformers' characters Optimus, Prime, Megatron and Bumblebee at Abu Dhabi Mall, when kids will be able to get up close and personal with the ‘stars' and take pictures.
At Mushrif Mall, there's an electronics festival running until October 5th and performers will roam the mall providing traditional Arabic entertainment.
The spotlight at Marina Mall will follow on the ice-rink, where, until October 10th, ‘The Wonderland Show' will dazzle audiences. This free-to-attend show will tell the story of Alice in Wonderland and her epic journey through a fantasy world. The show will run nightly at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm and shoppers will get to meet and greet the cast at 6pm and 8pm daily.
During Eid, Seawings Abu Dhabi will run a ‘Snapshot Flight' – a 20 minute aerial sightseeing tour offering panoramic views of Yas Island, Eastern Mangroves, Saadiyat Island and Abu Dhabi Corniche attractions, with add-on activities at Yas Island for Dh895 per person and Dh760 for kids.
From October 3rd - 5th, the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey experience will offer an Eid special price of Dh300 per person – a discount of 40% on its normal pricing, for those wanting this unique trip to discover the emirate's pearling past.
At Emirates Park Zoo in Al Bahiya, from October 3rd-10th, a range of family-friendly activities will be on offer from 9.30am until 9pm.
On Abu Dhabi's entertainment destination of Yas Island, the 18-hole championship ready golf course Yas Links will celebrate Eid from October 3rd-6th with golf and non-golf activities, including family instruction programmes.
Over in Abu Dhabi's second city and its heritage heartland of Al Ain, the Wadi Adventure water park will run an ‘Adventure Package' from October 2nd-6th when, for only Dh170, guests get access to rafting, airpark, the giant swing, open beach kids splash, swimming pool and park admission. For Dh245 guests can have the ‘Ultimate Adventure' package which includes a combo meal, all the facilities, towels and a locker.
Those spending Eid in Al Ain can also take in a dinner show at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club on October 2nd and 3rd by Lebanese swooner, Rabih Agha.
Al Ain Raceway is discounting its karting offering for October 4th-6th. Guests get a free session when they pay for two, and 45 minutes of karting for the price of 30 minutes. Those guests taking two friends along only pay Dh80 each for a 15 minute session.
A host of hotels and resorts have created special Eid packages and great value-for money deals, including Al Ain Hilton Hotel, Emirates Palace, the Royal Rose, the three Sir Bani Yas Island resorts of the Desert Islands Resort and Spa, Al Sahel and Al Yamm Villa Resort, all by Anantara, and the brand's Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in the Liwa Desert, the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel, the Dusit Thani Hotel, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, Mafraq Hotel, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, One-to-One The Village and Le Royal Meridien.