Travellers in search of luxurious Abu Dhabi hotels will find no finer alternative to the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Conveniently situated in a strategic location this stylish rest serves as the perfect base from which to explore the metropolis that is Abu Dhabi.

As a melting pot of varied cultures the thriving desert holiday destination of Abu Dhabi is no light weight when it comes to engaging, local celebrations. Populated by immigrants and expats from around the world the vibrant diversity of Abu Dhabi is put on display each year with colorful religious festivals hosted by various communities in Abu Dhabi society. As one of the most progressive and religiously tolerant Islamic nations in the world this bustling metropolis is a shining example to the region and the globe at large.
As a predominantly Islamic nation the most coveted religious holiday in the Abu Dhabi calendar is of course the holy festival of Ramadan. Celebrated with great reverence this annual festival begins in late June as a month long fasting season heralds in the holy month. Muslim devotees refrain from consuming food and drink from dusk till dawn during the period in which great vigilance is paid to one’s moral behavior and righteousness in terms of conduct. The breaking of the fast in contrast is heralded in with the distribution of sweets and family gatherings with large, traditional Arabic meals and donations to charities. This three-day long celebration period is known as Eid Al Fitr where the exchange of gifts between friends and family is also a custom.
Easter is also marked with great pomp and pageantry in Abu Dhabi. The city’s most iconic Christian church, St. Joseph’s is at the centre of the celebrations as more than 25,000 worshippers flock to the church to mark this sacred Christian holiday. Twenty services were conducted on Easter Sunday, 2013 with sermons delivered in an impressive 12 languages to cater to the large number of Christians hailing from various nations around the world. Diwali is Abu Dhabi’s most highly anticipated religious festival for Hindus and visitors can witness this vibrant local festival each October-November as Hindu temples across the city set the scene for the annual thanksgiving celebration marked by Hindus the world over.
Indian Sweetmeats the like of Rasgulla and Mithaj are central to the celebration of Rama’s defeat of Demon monarch Ravana in this Hindu festival full of colour and camaraderie.
Vesak Day is also marked by Buddhists residing in Abu Dhabi as the religious festival marks the birth, enlightenment and demise of Lord Buddha. Hosted by the Sri Lankan embassy in the city 2013’s celebrations saw alms giving programs, Bakthi Gee recitals and the Bodhi Pujas with the attendance of the Sri Lankan Buddhist community residing in the UAE.