As the holy month of Ramadan ends, Muslims around the world gather to celebrate one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar — Eid Al Fitr. This joyful occasion, often called the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is marked by special prayers, family reunions, generous giving, and plenty of delicious food.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Eid Al Fitr is a time of warmth, tradition, and reflection. Streets are decorated with lights, shops are filled with last-minute shoppers, and the air is full of excitement. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and greet each other with “Eid Mubarak”, meaning “Blessed Eid.”
But while the celebrations focus on the present, they are also deeply connected to the past. In Sharjah, a city known for its strong commitment to culture and heritage, Eid is a perfect moment to remember and celebrate the Emirati way of life. One of the most beautiful ways this is done is through Sharjah Heritage Days — an annual festival that honors local traditions, crafts, and folklore.
What Happens During Eid Al Fitr?
Eid begins with a special prayer called “Salat al-Eid,” held early in the morning at mosques and large prayer grounds. Men, women, and children dress in their finest clothes, often traditional garments like kandura for men and abayas for women. After the prayer, families usually visit the graves of loved ones, give zakat al-fitr (charity given before the Eid prayer), and then begin the celebrations.
Homes are filled with the smell of home-cooked meals, including rice dishes like machboos, meat stews, and sweets such as khabees, balaleet, and the ever-popular luqaimat — crunchy dough balls drizzled with date syrup. It’s also a time when elders give “Eidiya,” small amounts of money, to children as a blessing and gesture of joy.
But Eid is not just about feasting — it’s about community, connection, and culture. Many Emiratis use this time to reconnect with their roots and take part in cultural events that reflect their history. One such event that beautifully captures this spirit is Sharjah Heritage Days.
Sharjah Heritage Days: A Celebration of Culture
Organized annually by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Sharjah Heritage Days is a festival that shines a spotlight on the rich traditions of the UAE. Held in the historic Heart of Sharjah district, the event brings together local artisans, performers, chefs, and storytellers for weeks of cultural celebrations.
This year’s edition of Sharjah Heritage Days was bigger and more vibrant than ever. Thousands of people — Emiratis, residents, and tourists — walked through the heritage alleys, explored exhibitions, and enjoyed traditional performances.
The event offered a multisensory experience of the Emirati way of life, from the sounds of folk music and poetry to the sight of women weaving sadu (a traditional form of textile art) and men crafting al khoos (items made from palm fronds).
Reviving Traditional Crafts
One of the main highlights of Sharjah Heritage Days is the focus on traditional crafts. Emirati artisans, many of whom have learned their skills from generations before them, demonstrate how things were made before modern tools came into use.
Visitors can watch craftsmen shaping clay pots, making fishing nets, and weaving baskets. Women showcase their expertise in henna designs, perfume-making, and embroidery. These activities not only educate young people about their culture but also help preserve valuable skills that are in danger of being forgotten.
Children get a chance to try these crafts themselves, painting pottery, learning to knot palm leaves, or playing with old-style toys made of wood and cloth. For many young Emiratis, it’s a chance to see how their grandparents and great-grandparents once lived, worked, and played.
A Taste of the Past
No cultural event in the UAE is complete without food, and Sharjah Heritage Days is a feast for the senses. Traditional Emirati dishes are cooked in open-air kitchens, with visitors invited to watch, learn, and taste. The smell of grilled meat, slow-cooked rice, and fragrant spices fills the air.
Dishes like harees, thareed, and machboos are served in clay pots, just as they would have been decades ago. Local women prepare sweets like batheetha (a date and flour dessert) and aseeda (a type of porridge), offering samples to curious guests. Visitors from other countries often leave amazed at the rich variety of Emirati cuisine.
Folk Music, Dance, and Storytelling
One of the most lively parts of Sharjah Heritage Days is the traditional entertainment. Every evening, the area comes alive with performances of Al Ayyala, the UAE’s traditional war dance performed with sticks and drums. The rhythmic movements and chanting are both powerful and poetic.
Other performances include Nabati poetry readings, sea shanties from the days of pearl diving, and Bedouin songs. Storytellers, known as Hakawatis, sit with groups of children, telling tales of desert adventures, folklore, and life lessons from the past.
These performances don’t just entertain — they teach. They pass down values of bravery, loyalty, generosity, and family bonds that are central to Emirati identity.
Global Cultures Meet Emirati Traditions
Another interesting feature of Sharjah Heritage Days is its international participation. Each year, different countries are invited to showcase their own heritage. From African drummers to Indian spice traders, the festival becomes a meeting point of cultures from around the world.
This year, dozens of countries had their own pavilions, displaying their clothing, crafts, dances, and food. It was a reminder that while each culture is unique, we are all connected by our traditions and our love for storytelling, music, and food.
Why It Matters
In a fast-changing world where technology often takes center stage, events like Sharjah Heritage Days remind us of the importance of preserving our roots. They show that culture is not just something found in museums — it’s something alive, something we carry with us.
During Eid Al Fitr, as families come together and celebrate the blessings of life, festivals like this help connect the past with the present. They teach the younger generation about the values, skills, and stories that built the nation.
Sharjah, with its deep respect for heritage and tradition, continues to lead the way in cultural preservation, showing that modern progress and historical pride can go hand in hand.
Conclusion
Eid Al Fitr is more than a festival — it is a celebration of faith, family, and culture. And in the UAE, especially in Sharjah, it’s a time to honor the past while looking to the future.
Through the vibrant and educational atmosphere of Sharjah Heritage Days, Emiratis and visitors alike get a chance to appreciate the beauty and depth of the UAE’s heritage. It’s a celebration not just of Eid, but of identity, unity, and tradition — values that continue to shape the nation’s heart.
Also read: Eid Al Adha: Honoring Faith, Sacrifice, and Sharing in the Spirit of Unity
