Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI AND AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
More than three-quarters of UAE residents plan to visit family and friends this Eid Al-Fitr, according to a recent survey - a reminder that even as life moves at speed, traditions continue to bind people together. Family, and the friends who have become part of it, still come first.
Seeing relatives and friends is the most widely planned Eid activity, as indicated by 77% of respondents surveyed in Toluna's 2026 study "Ramadan Revelations: Unveiling Emerging Consumer Trends".
The report was based on an online survey of 556 residents aged 18 to 60, conducted between January 30 and February 3.
The study offered a glimpse into cultural practices that hold a special place in Emirati homes. For many UAE families, Eid is an opportunity to pass on traditions and instil long-held values in the new generation.
Mouza Hassan, a mother of three, said they make a point of turning the occasion into a core memory their children will fondly look back on for years.
"We prepare the house and lay out the children's new clothes the night before Eid, so they wake up excited in the morning," Hassan told Aletihad.
"My kids are thrilled to preserve our traditions and feel proud of them when they help prepare the candies and greet guests."
After Eid prayers, Hassan and her family head straight to her parents' home, where her siblings arrive with their own families.
"The kids receive Eidiya from their grandparents, and we cook traditional foods like harees and balaleet. Laughter, food and family stories fill the entire day," she said.
A similar scenario usually unfolds for Fahad Alhammadi and his family. For him, these traditions are a way to nurture his children's appreciation of their culture.
"We make sure our children understand the meaning behind every tradition," Alhammadi said. "These experiences teach them the value of respect, generosity and maintaining family ties, from visiting grandparents to giving Eidiya and sharing meals."
Alhammadi and his family spend Eid morning at his parents' house where they have breakfast after prayers.
"We visit other family members and close friends later in the day to help our kids get to know their extended family," he said. "Since the goal of Eid is to give joy to everyone around us, my wife also makes traditional sweets that we distribute to our neighbours."
Food and Gifts
As the Toluna survey has shown, food and gifts do play a central role in the festivities. About 71% plan to enjoy new or special meals, while 69% expect to visit restaurants or fine-dining venues, with 63% saying they intend to explore new restaurants, the survey said. A notable 67% are likely to host house parties or gatherings.
When it comes to gift giving, residents are more intentional, according to the study. The 2026 survey found that 84% of UAE residents planned to give Eid presents, down from 90% in 2025. Gifting is also focused on the immediate family.
Among those who intend to purchase gifts, 64% said they would get some for their children, 59% for their spouse, and 47% for their parents. Beyond that inner circle, 40% plan to buy gifts for friends, while 35% said they would purchase something for themselves.
The most popular gift choices included chocolates, dates and sweets at 43%; fragrances at 40%; cash at 36%; clothing at 36%; and toys and games at 34%.
Higher-value gifts have declined compared with the previous year, the study added. The share of residents planning to give gold and diamond jewellery has dropped to 22% from 29%.
Those who give gadgets and high-tech gifts have also decreased to 17% from 27%, and the same trend has been observed among those who hand out small home appliances (now 15%, previously 20%).
Half of UAE Residents Expect to Shop More, But Practicality Still a Focus
About 50% of UAE residents expect to spend more on shopping this Eid compared with last year, according to the Toluna study. However, purchases appear to remain practical and mindful, with spending growth strongest in festive essentials.
Groceries top the list at 57%, followed by chocolates, dates and sweets at 49%; clothing at 47%; fragrances at 45%; skincare at 42%; and household cleaning items at 40%.
Lifestyle purchases remain active but more moderate. Around 37% expect to spend more on small home appliances, home goods, furniture, and designer accessories, while 36% said the same for cosmetics and beauty products.
Higher-value purchases appear more measured, with 34% expecting to spend more on gold and diamond jewellery, another 34% on technology and electronic gadgets, and 32% on major electronic devices.
Beyond shopping, some 45% anticipate higher spending on socialising and 41% on entertainment. Dining experiences are also a priority, with 39% expecting to spend more on eating out and 36% planning to increase spending on food deliveries.
