Riyadh Streets Bustling with Eid Al-Fitr Shoppers
It was a tale of two cities on the roads of Riyadh on Tuesday morning as offices closed for Eid Al-Fitr. While many streets were deserted, the shopping malls were bustling with crowds as residents rushed for last-minute Eid shopping.
Hanan Al-Harbi, a Riyadh resident, described the scene: “People, along with their children, flocked to shopping centers for new garments, chocolates, and Eid gifts to share with relatives and friends on the joyous occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the most celebratory event in the Islamic calendar.
“I visited some shopping malls in the city today and last night, and they were crowded with people busy doing last-minute Eid shopping. The empty streets due to Eid Al-Fitr holidays made for an easy drive and less time to reach the shopping center.”
However, Al-Harbi predicted more traffic in Riyadh at night as people head out with family and friends on the eve of Eid.
“You’ll see the Eid spirit everywhere you go tonight. The streets, adorned with colorful lights, will be bustling, and everything that seemed dull during the day will come to life at night for the biggest celebration in the Islamic calendar,” she said.
Manzar Siddiqui’s trip to the Aziziah fruits and vegetables market on Tuesday morning was surprisingly hassle-free.
“The roads to the market were practically empty, and it only took me 15 minutes to drive from home, compared to the usual half an hour,” he said.
But once at the market, the scene changed.
“The fruit and vegetable stalls were moderately busy, and the meat section was packed as people rushed to buy mutton and chicken for the Eid Al-Fitr party. I had to wait 20 minutes to place my order. On regular days, we just visit the shop and place the order,” Siddiqui explained.
For Mahfooz Shaikh, a new resident in the city, a quick visit to the mall turned into an ordeal.
“I thought it would be empty in the afternoon, and I could get my Eid shopping done quickly, but it was crowded. Finding a parking spot was tough,” he said.
During the week-long Eid Al-Fitr holiday, the General Entertainment Authority has announced a packed calendar of events, from theater to concerts, and daily firework displays at locations across the capital.
Tuesday marks the final day of Ramadan. Eid celebrations begin on Wednesday, with Eid Al-Fitr prayers across the Kingdom shortly after sunrise. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has issued directives to hold Eid Al-Fitr prayers 15 minutes after sunrise, in accordance with the Umm Al-Qura calendar.
In a circular, the ministry stated that Eid Al-Fitr prayers will be held at designated open prayer grounds and in all mosques, except those adjacent to prayer grounds. All necessary services, including maintenance, cleaning, and operation, will be in place to ensure worshipers can perform their rituals with ease and comfort.