The air is thick with anticipation, the aroma of spices permeates the surroundings, the rustle of freshly pressed clothes, and the joyous chatter of families. Across millions of homes worldwide, the 'Festival of the Sacrifice,' Eid al-Adha, is unfolding. It is a time when streets come alive with the generous distribution of meat. Women and girls intricate henna designs adorn hands with careful precision, and rows of the faithful bow in congregational prayer of Eid. The second and larger of the two annual Eids marks a meaningful celebration, coinciding with the spiritual culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's profound obedience and willingness to sacrifice his son Ismaeel at Allah's command. While the essence of this important Islamic holiday remains universal, how it is celebrated across the diverse landscapes of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region shows a fascinating glimpse into traditions and cultural expressions. 

From Eid food and fashion to distinctive prayer customs in the Arab world, let's explore how Eid al-Adha is celebrated in MENA countries.

Across the globe, the dawn of the 10th day of Dhu-al-Hijjah, the final month of the lunar Islamic calendar, brings Eid al-Adha. While the exact date hinges on the sighting of the moon, the spirit of this profoundly significant Islamic festival remains constant. 

On Eid morning, Muslims gather for congregational prayers. Often adorned in new clothes, Muslims are ready to visit loved ones, exchange warm "Eid Mubarak" greetings, and embrace with heartfelt exchanges of gifts. 

Muslims honour Prophet Ibrahim's legacy by offering prayers and ritual sacrificing an animal — be it a lamb, sheep, goat, cow, bull, or camel — with the meat thoughtfully divided into three equal portions. Then the meat is distributed among the less fortunate, friends and relatives, and one's own family. 

Yet, as we delve into how Eid al-Adha is celebrated in MENA countries, it becomes clear that countless unique customs have emerged alongside these universal traditions.

In the Middle East, from the ancient alleys of Yemen to the bustling souqs of Syria, Eid al-Adha unfolds as a vivacious celebration deeply rooted in tradition and community. Food, as always, takes centre stage, with countless communities preparing special sweets and dishes solely for the holiday — imagine the tempting sight of jalabiya hanging from storefronts in Manama, or the rich aroma of cookies being prepared in Sanaa, Yemen. This dedication to culinary delights is matched only by the dazzling array of Eid fashion, as people wear their finest attire, from flowing robes and turbans worn by Libyan horsemen to elegant jalabiyas sought by Bahraini women in bustling souqs.

Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia holds even deeper significance, coinciding with the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The entire country, particularly the capital (Riyadh), transforms into a spectacle of light and festivity. Buildings shimmer with lanterns and fairy lights, while restaurants tempt palates with limited-edition Eid al-Adha dishes and desserts. 

As millions of Muslims gather for the spiritual rites of Hajj, families across Saudi Arabia prepare for days brimming with prayer, generosity, and shared meals. Visiting loved ones, exchanging heartfelt wishes, and the joyous tradition of giving Eidiya (gifts, often money) to children are all cherished customs. Central to the celebration is also the profound emphasis on charity, ensuring that the joy of Eid reaches everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, cities like Dubai truly come alive, escalating preparations for Eid al-Adha to an entirely new level. The striking lights transform the urban landscape, while shopping malls and cinemas showcase grand displays and enticing discounts. Muslims purchase gifts from meticulously decorated boutiques and souqs. Plus, people pour into the streets to celebrate together.  

These different customs highlight the rich cultural tapestry of Eid al-Adha traditions in the Middle East, showcasing how different countries celebrate Eid while upholding the core values of faith, family and generosity.

In the diverse landscapes of North Africa, from the humming cities of Egypt to the ancient traditions of Morocco, Eid al-Adha is a profound celebration that seamlessly blends shared religious observances with amazing cultural flair. The festivities typically commence with congregational prayers, followed by the sacred sacrifice of an animal and the joyous communal feasts that bring families and friends together. 

Across Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara, the core elements remain consistent: the solemn Eid prayers, the symbolic Udhiyah (sacrifice), the generous distribution of meat to family, friends, and the less fortunate, and the preparation of special, often meat-centric, meals. The atmosphere is infused with the warmth of family visits, the exchange of greetings and gifts, and the delight of children in receiving new clothes, sweets, and Eidiya.

However, within this shared framework, each nation adds its own distinctive brushstrokes to the Eid canvas. In Morocco, for instance, a particularly exuberant tradition involves applying henna to the horns of the sacrificial animal.

Egyptian celebrations are synonymous with elaborate meat meals, like the popular Fatta (rice with toasted bread and tomato sauce), enjoyed from breakfast to dinner. 

Libya showcases its beautiful regional customs, such as the elaborate Shouka dish from Houn, made from marinated dried meat (Gideed). Further, the majestic sight of horsemen in traditional attire marks the occasion. Even the preparation of henna for the sheep's head and applied by grandmothers after Eid prayer is a cherished custom in some Libyan families, and it is also shared by the Amazigh (also known as Berber). 

While challenges like drought and economic hardship have led to discussions around the cost and feasibility of sacrifice in countries like Algeria and Morocco, the spirit of generosity and communal gathering remains paramount. All these celebrations showcase the fascinating interplay of religious devotion and deep-rooted Eid al-Adha customs by countries throughout North Africa.