BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
UAE shopping centres saw a spike in activity during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, with some locations reporting higher footfall than last year as residents took advantage of special offers.
Clothing, perfumes, gift sets, and food were among the most sought-after items, particularly in the run-up to Eid, as families prepared for festive gatherings.
Speaking to Aletihad, Hayssam Hajjar, Executive Director for Regional Malls at Al-Futtaim Real Estate, said Eid Al-Fitr remains one of the most important periods for the UAE retail sector.
This year, he noted, the momentum was sustained throughout the holiday. "Footfall remained consistently high across all three days of Eid, recording a 5% increase compared to last year, reflecting continued consumer confidence and the appeal of integrated retail destinations," Hajjar said.
He pointed out that the success of campaigns - such as the 3 Day Super Sale, Ramadan Edition - contributed to increased activity, with tenants reporting a 12% uplift compared to the same period last year.
"We saw particularly strong performance across fashion, food and beverage, and entertainment, as shoppers looked to combine value-driven purchases with social and family experiences," Hajjar said.
Discounts continue to be a key driver of purchasing decisions during Eid, he added. At the same time, more consumers are seeking variety and new experiences.
"Overall, Eid today goes beyond traditional shopping. It is about creating a complete, experience-led environment where families and friends can come together to celebrate, dine, and spend quality time, which continues to support positive growth across the retail sector," he said.
For many consumers, Eid shopping is both a tradition and an opportunity to take advantage of competitive retail offers.
Amani Abu Hammad, a 34-year-old Abu Dhabi resident, said she always keeps an eye out for deals and reliably finds good promotions during this period.
"Eid is a very special time for everyone. We usually buy new clothes for the children, gifts for relatives and sweets for guests," Abu Hammad said.
Comparing prices between stores and e-commerce platforms has become part of her shopping routine, she added. "Sometimes, I check online first before going to the mall. If there is a discount or a bundle deal, it makes more sense to buy it then, rather than wait."
This Eid, Abu Hammad said she was very happy to see everyone out in the malls. "It was great seeing how full the malls were. Some shops and restaurants even had queues at the cashiers, and everyone was shopping and buying new stuff for Eid."
Mariam Hijazi, a Dubai resident and a mother of two, said the festive season brings a sense of excitement to shopping, especially for her kids as they look forward to buying toys and clothes.
"I enjoyed shopping before Eid because the atmosphere in the malls was very lively, and it was also very exciting during the days of Eid. We went to buy sweets and gifts; everyone was excited," Hijazi told Aletihad.
With brands launching Eid collections and promotions at the same time, it's a good time to shop, she said. "I have two kids, so I have to get two of everything, which can get a bit expensive usually, but discounts and promotions come in handy."
Hijazi noted that while several deals were on offer this year, she focused on those that "made sense" and chose the best buys.
