One little secret about Eid that may remain as a pleasant memory in a child's mind is: Eidiah!
For those who are not familiar with the term, Eidiah is a gift given to family members. It is mainly an amount of money, but can also be sweets and clothes.
Time has changed and Eidiah has numerous interpretations nowadays. A smartphone, a tablet computer and an LCD are now taken as Eidiah! Refurnishing a house is also Eidiah! A journey to nearby countries or even to Europe can also be considered a family Eidiah! It is astonishing how time redefines seasonal terminology!
In the past, the main idea behind Eidiah was to express affection and to enable all members to share the joy together. Today, it is not the same anymore! The change has had its effect. It has left us with houses and streets devoid of children’s smiles!
Half a million Saudis decided to give Eidiah to their family members by traveling to Dubai! Dubai, from its side of the story, decided to give a twenty-four hours mall entrance to all visitors as Eidiah, of course. Feedback from relatives who went to Dubai does not exceed the usual. It's just that fathers are stuck for a longer time in malls while children practice bands amusement and wives go on endless shopping. Yet, half a million Saudis decided to interpret Eidiah by going there. Some experts suggest that the number of Saudis in Dubai may reach the record of a million in the next few days.
Does this ring a bell, dear decision makers!
The writer is Chairman, Saudi Cartoon & Animation Society
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Eid...and Eidiah!
Eid...and Eidiah!
