Saudi Arabian Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO) stations in Dammam, Alkhobar and other Eastern Province cities were crowded with people heading to Madinah, Makkah and Jeddah. Outside the stands, private taxi operators were soliciting customers by shouting at the top of their lungs. “Madinah, Madinah, Madinah,” they shouted as they gathered around those arriving at the bus stops.

For many going to Madinah during Eid holidays, this has become an annual tradition. “It has been like this for me for more than 10 years now,” said Rana Tassaduq, an Alkhobar-based Pakistani expat. “There is not much to do here. I love being in Madinah for Eid,” he said while taking the SAPTCO coach to the holy city. “Most of my friends have already left and are waiting for me to join them.”

“For the whole year we wait for these holidays,” said Indian national Anwar Abdul Majeed. “Going to Madinah during ordinary days is not easy. It takes a full 18 hours by bus to reach there, which is not possible during regular weekends. We have Eid holidays for five days, and this is the best time to go to Madinah. However long it takes to reach Madinah, we are in no hurry.”

Pakistani expat Sajid Ali Khan feels at home in Madinah. “To be honest with you, Eid is where your family is, but since we cannot go home all the time we try to celebrate Eid with our friends by visiting Madinah and spending three or four days there. There is one more incentive. Some of my cousins are working in Abha and Khamis Mushayt. During Eid they all come down to Madinah, and then there is a big reunion there. We try to get in touch with all those who are from our native town Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan  — not only our cousins. We make merry and try to beat homesickness this way.”

Osman and Mehreen Shahid along with their two daughters have been saying Eid prayers in Madinah for years. “The first thing we do after saying the prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque is to call home and talk to all members of our family. They are delighted beyond words to receive a call from Madinah. My mother tells me nothing could be a better Eid gift than to receive a call from the Prophet’s city. The children also enjoy Eid in Madinah.”

Meanwhile, back in Alkhobar and Dammam, roads leading to the Corniche have been festooned with decorations and brightly colored lights. Commercial districts bustled with activity last night, and shops selling bangles and henna cones did a brisk business.