The preparations were particularly hectic in the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah where citizens, expatriates and visitors are especially keen to spend Eid. The celebrations will start in the two holy cities the day after Eid.

The municipalities of the two holy cities said activities during the Eid celebrations would be designed to cater to the tastes of thousands of pilgrims who are still crowding Makkah and Madinah.

Mayor of Makkah Osama Al-Bar approved the celebrations program and various entertainment activities to be held by the municipality with the participation of residents, foreigners, pilgrims and visitors.

Director of the department of safety and social services in the Makkah municipality Ahmad Muhammad Manshi said the celebrations would include programs to be carried out by the municipality itself and others by branch municipalities, citizens and foreign communities.

He said the festivities, which would commence on the second day of Eid, would continue for a week.

"There will be folklore dances from Egypt, Syria, African countries, India and China in addition to fireworks, poetry nights and special programs for children," Manshi said. He added that the celebrations would also include popular food stalls, competitions with prizes, comic plays and others.

Manshi said the festivities would be held in car parks along the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway, the closed hall of Al-Wuhda sports club, Um Al-Katad park in Al-Shukiyyah district, the car park in Al-Hijaz market, Al-Hussainiyah park near King Abdullah Medical City and other areas.

The mayor set up a special team from the municipality to supervise the implementation of the program of celebrations.

Director of the department of cleanliness in Madinah municipality Muhammad bin Ali Al-Alawi said more than 1,130 workers will be cleaning the plazas of the Prophet's Mosque during the Eid days using automatic cleaners and garbage trucks.

In Jeddah, the celebrations will start on Eid day and will be organized in many areas in the city, including Obhur, Old Airport, Al-Baieah (Allegiance) Square, Al-Hamra district and other places. They will include fireworks and entertainment programs for children.

The foreign communities will present folklore dances, music and other activities from their countries in a number of public parks in Jeddah.

The Eid celebrations in Jeddah will also include cultural and sports activities suitable for all members of the family.