AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
With the advent of the festive Eid Al Adha holiday, the country’s sweets shops are crowded with customers searching for beautiful and delicious treats that will decorate Eid tables and add an extra special atmosphere to the happy occasion. The types of sweets served on Eid Al Adha vary to meet different tastes, reflecting the rich heritage and cultural diversity of Arab societies.
Sweets shops typically witness a surge in demand during the holiday period, with offerings ranging from cakes, maamoul, crackers, and biscuits, to traditional sweets like baklava, and qatayef.
An employee in a local sweets shop noted that special Eid decorations accompany the sweets, helping drive demand. “The increasing acceptance of this category of sweets, which are beautifully packaged to be presented to guests during the Eid period, makes the shop more profitable during this period,” the employee said.
“One of the most famous sweets prepared during Eid is maamoul, which is distinguished by its unique taste that combines the sweetness of dates with the flavour of butter and nuts, which makes it an ideal choice to present to guests and loved ones during this blessed occasion,” a sweets shop employee said.
Accompanying the sweets is the “Eid Fawala”, considered an integral part of Eid Al Adha traditions in many Arab countries, including the UAE. “Eid Fawala” refers to a table around which Emirati families, neighbours, and relatives gather to eat delicious traditional dishes, sweets, and various types of dates and fruits. It is an ancient custom rooted among the people of the UAE and reflects the country’s characteristic generosity and sociability.
Other forms of hospitality displayed on Eid Al Adha include receiving guests with offerings of delicious dishes and sweets, exchanging greetings and congratulations, and spending time in the homes of family and friends. Providing hospitality on Eid Al Adha is a custom that represents respect for guests, loyalty, and solidarity.