Shopping malls in the region have experienced significant commercial activity and a surge in consumer traffic on the eve of Eid al-Adha, driven by extensive discounts on a wide range of products.

In response to heightened demand, many stores extended their operating hours beyond regular closing times, resulting in long queues at checkout counters as shoppers took advantage of last-minute sales.

Consumers reported that Eid al-Adha promotions at various retail outlets marked a return to discounted prices on numerous fresh food items, although some noted the exclusion of fresh poultry from these offers at certain locations.

Retail officials indicated that vigorous shopping activity, propelled by discounts that reached up to 50%, encompassed a broad spectrum of merchandise, including foodstuffs, clothing, footwear, handbags, luggage, electronics, and household appliances.

Sales figures reflected an increase of over 60%, attributed to the influx of shoppers.

The exclusion of certain products from discounts was primarily due to differing marketing policies among retailers.

Many shops in Abu Dhabi offered discounts ranging from 20% to 50% on Eid essentials, particularly in categories such as apparel, bags, shoes, household items, and cooking appliances.

Shoppers indicated that, while some stores initiated sales days in advance, they preferred to shop right before Eid as part of a yearly tradition, enhancing the festive spirit among children.

In shopping centers, varied discounts were observed, mostly between 20% and 40%, covering a wide array of items, including clothing, electronics, travel bags, furniture, and home decor.

Additionally, some retailers expanded their discounts to include food products, particularly meats, dairy, vegetables, fruits, and cheeses, contributing to an overall sense of excitement leading up to the holiday.

Observers noted that while early sales allowed families to purchase some items ahead of time, the tradition of last-minute shopping remained popular for many, driven by the extensive range of products available at reduced prices.

The final shopping days before Eid drew significant crowds, with long lines and increased activity reflecting consumers’ preparations for the holiday.

Reports from markets in Dubai and Sharjah highlighted that discounts on fresh goods, particularly various types of red meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products, were reinstated.

However, fresh poultry, considered a staple during the Eid celebration, was notably excluded from many of these promotions, raising concerns among consumers about the limited availability of discounted poultry options.

Among shoppers, some expressed disappointment over the absence of fresh poultry from the majority of offers, identifying it as a negative aspect of the current sales, which otherwise included discounts on other fresh food items.

Many highlighted the importance of retailers providing discounts on high-demand products such as fresh poultry and eggs.

Retail managers confirmed a rise in sales for Eid-related goods, citing increases of up to 60% during the busy shopping period, with peak sales occurring shortly before the holiday.

They noted that while discount percentages varied by store and product, most reductions hovered between 30% and 50%.

Despite some retailers launching sales over ten days prior to Eid, the most considerable congestion occurred in the final days leading up to the holiday, coinciding with the vacation period and a diverse range of products on offer, including essential food items and household electronics.

The marketing strategies employed by retailers were acknowledged as a key factor in the variety of discounts available, with some retailers focusing their offers on specific product categories according to supplier agreements.

Retailers also indicated that the absence of fresh poultry and limited discounts on eggs stemmed from ongoing high demand for those products, leading stores to concentrate promotional efforts on other food items that align with Eid festivities.