MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
As the UAE celebrated the 53rd Eid Al Etihad over the 4-day weekend, residents flocked to shopping malls, restaurants and other outlets to take advantage of multiple holiday promotions.
Aside from retail campaigns in shopping centres across the country, several UAE-based companies from various sectors launched special offers to celebrate the national holiday. Telecom operator e& (formerly Etisalat) is giving away 53GB of free local data to all postpaid customers and Emirati prepaid users. The offer, which runs from November 30 until December 7, allows customers to enjoy the data within the UAE. Expats on e& prepaid plans will receive a 53% discount on online recharges of Dh30 and above, which can be used for local and international calls.Telecom du also marked the occasion with a similar offer. All du postpaid customers can enjoy 53GB of free national data, valid for seven days, until December 4. Customers who switch to or have already purchased Prepaid Flexi yearly plans will receive 53GB of free data, valid for a full year, until December 31.
In the airline sector, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the UAE's ultra-low-cost national carrier, is offering up to 20% off flights booked for travel between December 2, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The promotion is available through the WIZZ app, with fares starting from just Dh89.
Motorists in four UAE emirates - Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ajman - can benefit from a 50% discount on traffic fines as part of a National Day initiative.
Aletihad spoke to several shoppers who seized the opportunity to make the most of promotions.
Samar Saleh is an Egyptian UAE resident who's been working in the UAE as a PR Agent for almost a decade.
"This National Day has been a gift," said Saleh, who, aside from enjoying a four-day long weekend on this occasion, benefited from a promotion by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi to book a trip to her home country.
"I paid half what I usually do. No one can say no to that kind of deal. This way I can go spend a few days with my friends and family in Egypt without spending too much money on a plane ticket," she said.
Jenine from the Philippines is a mother of two who has called the UAE home for some 20 years.
On Eid Al Etihad, she hit the mall with her husband and kids to make the best of deals on winter clothing.
"Good quality winter clothes and hoodies can be a bit expensive. That's why we usually wait for promotion days to make sure we get what we need without spending too much," she said, adding that National Day offers didn't disappoint.
Aletihad also spotted Shama, an Emirati teen, shopping with her friend group at a beauty store in Abu Dhabi.
"It's been the most fun weekend, and a much needed one," the university student said.
On Eid Al Etihad, Shama and her friends enjoyed the fireworks at the Corniche, had lunch at the mall then picked up clothes and cosmetics they'd been eyeing for the best prices.