Thousands of Saudis celebrate Eid abroad

Thousands of Saudis had to spend their Eid Al-Adha or the festival of sacrifice outside the Kingdom due to various reasons. They include hundreds of Saudi students currently pursuing their higher studies in reputed international universities under King Abdullah Foreign Scholarship Program.
Many Saudi students living abroad have expressed their sorrow and disappointment for being away from their kith and kin. “I feel homesick in such happy occasions,” said Muhannad, a Saudi student.
According to one report, a huge number of Saudis had gone to Dubai last month to spend Eid Al-Adha holidays. Some writers have criticized the Saudis for spending their Eid vacation outside the Kingdom, away from their friends and families.
“Some people, unfortunately, consider spending vacation abroad as a prestige issue,” said one commentator.
Wasif Kabili, a member of the trade committee at Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Saudi families spend about SR 22 billion during Eid Al-Adha holidays. The figure includes money spent by families who travel abroad to celebrate the Eid.
Saudi embassies and missions abroad hold special ceremonies to mark Eid Al-Adha. Saudi Ambassador to Italy Saleh Al-Ghamdi hosted a dinner in Rome to mark the Eid, which was attended by embassy officials as well as a number of Saudis living in Italy.