Transforming Eidiya: UAE Residents how Tradition Shifts from Dh5 to iPhones and 24k Gold Notes

Photo : Khaleej times

In today's ever-digitalizing world, the time-honored custom of giving Eidiya to children by elders is undergoing a significant transformation. Gone are the days when a mere Dh5 or ten currency notes would suffice; in the contemporary era, Eidiya is experiencing a tech-savvy makeover, with children increasingly expecting digital gift cards, iPhones, and even 24K gold notes.

Eidiya, also referred to as Eidiyya or Eidhi, is a cherished Middle Eastern Arab tradition entailing the gifting of cash to children and family members by elders within the family or from older relatives and family friends. This tradition holds deep cultural significance, particularly during the celebration of two major Muslim holidays: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.

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Hamda K, an Emirati residing in Dubai, shared her dilemma when faced with her 10-year-old's request for a new iPhone as Eidiya. "Nowadays, kids make special requests and ask for expensive gifts like iPhones," she remarked. "We tried to explain the essence of Eidiya to him, but we also didn't want to dampen the festive spirit. Eid is a time of joy, after all," Hamda conveyed to Khaleej Times. She expressed her concern about striking a balance between tradition and meeting her child's evolving expectations, mindful of her own upbringing and the generation gap.

Reflecting on the past, Hamda reminisced about simpler times when Eidiya would be a modest Dh5 or 10, and receiving Dh20 would make a child feel like the wealthiest in the neighborhood. "It was all about collecting Eidiya, heading to the local markets, buying heaps of chocolates, and declaring it the best Eid ever," she fondly recalled.

Similarly, Eman Elshamsi, a resident of Abu Dhabi, noted the changing dynamics of Eidiya. "With my nephews and nieces, I have to allocate a budget for Eidiya, and nowadays, even adults expect it," she remarked. During the last Eid celebration, Eman found herself withdrawing a substantial sum, specifically Dh2,000 in Dh100 bills, solely for distributing Eidiya.

As the focus on Eidiya intensifies and its essence transforms, retailers are also innovating to offer unique products. Dian Jewellery, for instance, introduced the first-ever 24K gold note souvenir, priced at Dh159 each, containing 0.1 grams of gold adorned with Dubai's skyline and landmarks. Rahul Sagar, the founder, noted the souvenir's popularity among tourists and residents, with stocks selling out rapidly and receiving numerous pre-orders.

Moreover, Eidiya has evolved beyond cash gifts to encompass diverse and creative presents. Madheeha Mohammed, a Dubai resident, shared her preference for digital gift cards, citing simplicity and convenience. "During Covid, I opted for Amazon gift cards for children," she mentioned. "It was effortless - pay, send a message, and the gift card would be emailed. The children thoroughly enjoyed browsing for items and were excited about their purchases," Madheeha added, emphasizing the newfound joy in gifting digital tokens.

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