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How Arab Leaders spent Eid: A Break From the Revolting Routine?

Published September 5th, 2011 - 04:49 GMT

Ever wondered what the leaders of the Arab countries do to celebrate the holidays? How do the sundry Sultans, Kings and Presidents of Araby spend their time on Eid?

This Eid ul-Fitr, 2011, some Arab leaders are feeling a bit miserable; others are beginning to show signs of stress; others will spend quiet time with their families. Still more will probably invest in some lotion for their burns.

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Gaddafi on the run, behind his 'shades'. His family fled to neighboring Algeria, welcomed as refugees, according to desert nomadic tradition. Gaddafi's daughter, Aisha, gave birth to a girl on the Algerian borders. As for the current most wanted grandfather, he is playing Cat & Mouse with the NTC which is trying to cement its grip on Libya.

Gaddafi on the run, behind his 'shades'. His family fled to neighboring Algeria, welcomed as refugees, according to desert nomadic tradition. Gaddafi's daughter, Aisha, gave birth to a girl on the Algerian borders. As for the current most wanted grandfather, he is playing Cat & Mouse with the NTC which is trying to cement its grip on Libya.

Others were still caged at court for most of Ramadan and Eid we can presume, taking a break from camera and coverage. The first two court sessions saw the 83-year-old toppled president at court bound to a stretcher and caged. Now the trial of Hosni Mubarak and his sons has resumed (today) Monday, September 5, off-camera this time.

Others were still caged at court for most of Ramadan and Eid we can presume, taking a break from camera and coverage. The first two court sessions saw the 83-year-old toppled president at court bound to a stretcher and caged. Now the trial of Hosni Mubarak and his sons has resumed (today) Monday, September 5, off-camera this time.

Ali Abdallah Saleh, the--maybe still?--President of Yemen, remains steadfast despite an attack on his palace which left him looking like has had a bad tan. Saleh is defiantly claiming that he will stay in power until the end of his term in 2013, and gave a Eid speech saying as much, while thousands of Yemenis protested otherwise.

Ali Abdallah Saleh, the--maybe still?--President of Yemen, remains steadfast despite an attack on his palace which left him looking like has had a bad tan. Saleh is defiantly claiming that he will stay in power until the end of his term in 2013, and gave a Eid speech saying as much, while thousands of Yemenis protested otherwise.

The idea of "Eid Spirit" seems to be lost on President Bashar Al Assad of Syria, who seems to think it's alright to "pray and shoot" by killing worshippers after they left Eid ul-Fitr prayers, which he also attended. Assad insists "everything is OK" in his country, and gave his country a whole new set of sanctions before Christmas!

The idea of "Eid Spirit" seems to be lost on President Bashar Al Assad of Syria, who seems to think it's alright to "pray and shoot" by killing worshippers after they left Eid ul-Fitr prayers, which he also attended. Assad insists "everything is OK" in his country, and gave his country a whole new set of sanctions before Christmas!

We all get annoying phone calls from friends and family over Eid, and nobody knows this better than Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika: The President had to screen calls from his one-time ally, now on-the-run, Colonel Gaddafi. Algeria did take in the Libyan's family, however, as a "humanitarian gesture".

We all get annoying phone calls from friends and family over Eid, and nobody knows this better than Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika: The President had to screen calls from his one-time ally, now on-the-run, Colonel Gaddafi. Algeria did take in the Libyan's family, however, as a "humanitarian gesture".

Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah made a conspicuous appearance at Eid prayers in his country--and quickly shuffled off for a foreign holiday. The Emir regularly bestows cash gifts on citizens.

Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah made a conspicuous appearance at Eid prayers in his country--and quickly shuffled off for a foreign holiday. The Emir regularly bestows cash gifts on citizens.

Ruler of Dubai and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Ben Rashed Al Maktoum had an incredibly busy Eid, greeting many of his colleagues within the fraternity of Gulf and UAE royalty. Just as well: it is impossible to find a parking space at a Dubai mall over the holidays.

Ruler of Dubai and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Ben Rashed Al Maktoum had an incredibly busy Eid, greeting many of his colleagues within the fraternity of Gulf and UAE royalty. Just as well: it is impossible to find a parking space at a Dubai mall over the holidays.

Qatar's Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani and his Consort, Sheikha Mouza Al Misned, have a lot to be thankful for this time around: Not only are they likely to get a new influential role in a post-Gaddafi Libya, but Eid coincided with their country's 40th anniversary of independence.

Qatar's Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani and his Consort, Sheikha Mouza Al Misned, have a lot to be thankful for this time around: Not only are they likely to get a new influential role in a post-Gaddafi Libya, but Eid coincided with their country's 40th anniversary of independence.

Saudi Arabia's King, who takes personal pride in his care-taking of Islam's holiest shrines, marked the Muslim festival by making large donations to the poor and needy in Palestine and Somalia. In a televised address, he made a plea for greater world peace and understanding, hoping that the holiday will bring better times for the Arab world.

Saudi Arabia's King, who takes personal pride in his care-taking of Islam's holiest shrines, marked the Muslim festival by making large donations to the poor and needy in Palestine and Somalia. In a televised address, he made a plea for greater world peace and understanding, hoping that the holiday will bring better times for the Arab world.

King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan had a quiet, stay-at-home celebration over Eid, and avoided the limelight. The King did make a traditional speech which was later re-broadcast by the Queen on Twitter. "A blessed #Eid to all of you and your loved ones. #JO"

King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan had a quiet, stay-at-home celebration over Eid, and avoided the limelight. The King did make a traditional speech which was later re-broadcast by the Queen on Twitter. "A blessed #Eid to all of you and your loved ones. #JO"

Gaddafi on the run, behind his 'shades'. His family fled to neighboring Algeria, welcomed as refugees, according to desert nomadic tradition. Gaddafi's daughter, Aisha, gave birth to a girl on the Algerian borders. As for the current most wanted grandfather, he is playing Cat & Mouse with the NTC which is trying to cement its grip on Libya.
Others were still caged at court for most of Ramadan and Eid we can presume, taking a break from camera and coverage. The first two court sessions saw the 83-year-old toppled president at court bound to a stretcher and caged. Now the trial of Hosni Mubarak and his sons has resumed (today) Monday, September 5, off-camera this time.
Ali Abdallah Saleh, the--maybe still?--President of Yemen, remains steadfast despite an attack on his palace which left him looking like has had a bad tan. Saleh is defiantly claiming that he will stay in power until the end of his term in 2013, and gave a Eid speech saying as much, while thousands of Yemenis protested otherwise.
The idea of "Eid Spirit" seems to be lost on President Bashar Al Assad of Syria, who seems to think it's alright to "pray and shoot" by killing worshippers after they left Eid ul-Fitr prayers, which he also attended. Assad insists "everything is OK" in his country, and gave his country a whole new set of sanctions before Christmas!
We all get annoying phone calls from friends and family over Eid, and nobody knows this better than Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika: The President had to screen calls from his one-time ally, now on-the-run, Colonel Gaddafi. Algeria did take in the Libyan's family, however, as a "humanitarian gesture".
Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah made a conspicuous appearance at Eid prayers in his country--and quickly shuffled off for a foreign holiday. The Emir regularly bestows cash gifts on citizens.
Ruler of Dubai and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Ben Rashed Al Maktoum had an incredibly busy Eid, greeting many of his colleagues within the fraternity of Gulf and UAE royalty. Just as well: it is impossible to find a parking space at a Dubai mall over the holidays.
Qatar's Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani and his Consort, Sheikha Mouza Al Misned, have a lot to be thankful for this time around: Not only are they likely to get a new influential role in a post-Gaddafi Libya, but Eid coincided with their country's 40th anniversary of independence.
Saudi Arabia's King, who takes personal pride in his care-taking of Islam's holiest shrines, marked the Muslim festival by making large donations to the poor and needy in Palestine and Somalia. In a televised address, he made a plea for greater world peace and understanding, hoping that the holiday will bring better times for the Arab world.
King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan had a quiet, stay-at-home celebration over Eid, and avoided the limelight. The King did make a traditional speech which was later re-broadcast by the Queen on Twitter. "A blessed #Eid to all of you and your loved ones. #JO"
Gaddafi on the run, behind his 'shades'. His family fled to neighboring Algeria, welcomed as refugees, according to desert nomadic tradition. Gaddafi's daughter, Aisha, gave birth to a girl on the Algerian borders. As for the current most wanted grandfather, he is playing Cat & Mouse with the NTC which is trying to cement its grip on Libya.
Gaddafi on the run, behind his 'shades'. His family fled to neighboring Algeria, welcomed as refugees, according to desert nomadic tradition. Gaddafi's daughter, Aisha, gave birth to a girl on the Algerian borders. As for the current most wanted grandfather, he is playing Cat & Mouse with the NTC which is trying to cement its grip on Libya.
Others were still caged at court for most of Ramadan and Eid we can presume, taking a break from camera and coverage. The first two court sessions saw the 83-year-old toppled president at court bound to a stretcher and caged. Now the trial of Hosni Mubarak and his sons has resumed (today) Monday, September 5, off-camera this time.
Others were still caged at court for most of Ramadan and Eid we can presume, taking a break from camera and coverage. The first two court sessions saw the 83-year-old toppled president at court bound to a stretcher and caged. Now the trial of Hosni Mubarak and his sons has resumed (today) Monday, September 5, off-camera this time.
Ali Abdallah Saleh, the--maybe still?--President of Yemen, remains steadfast despite an attack on his palace which left him looking like has had a bad tan. Saleh is defiantly claiming that he will stay in power until the end of his term in 2013, and gave a Eid speech saying as much, while thousands of Yemenis protested otherwise.
Ali Abdallah Saleh, the--maybe still?--President of Yemen, remains steadfast despite an attack on his palace which left him looking like has had a bad tan. Saleh is defiantly claiming that he will stay in power until the end of his term in 2013, and gave a Eid speech saying as much, while thousands of Yemenis protested otherwise.
The idea of "Eid Spirit" seems to be lost on President Bashar Al Assad of Syria, who seems to think it's alright to "pray and shoot" by killing worshippers after they left Eid ul-Fitr prayers, which he also attended. Assad insists "everything is OK" in his country, and gave his country a whole new set of sanctions before Christmas!
The idea of "Eid Spirit" seems to be lost on President Bashar Al Assad of Syria, who seems to think it's alright to "pray and shoot" by killing worshippers after they left Eid ul-Fitr prayers, which he also attended. Assad insists "everything is OK" in his country, and gave his country a whole new set of sanctions before Christmas!
We all get annoying phone calls from friends and family over Eid, and nobody knows this better than Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika: The President had to screen calls from his one-time ally, now on-the-run, Colonel Gaddafi. Algeria did take in the Libyan's family, however, as a "humanitarian gesture".
We all get annoying phone calls from friends and family over Eid, and nobody knows this better than Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika: The President had to screen calls from his one-time ally, now on-the-run, Colonel Gaddafi. Algeria did take in the Libyan's family, however, as a "humanitarian gesture".
Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah made a conspicuous appearance at Eid prayers in his country--and quickly shuffled off for a foreign holiday. The Emir regularly bestows cash gifts on citizens.
Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah made a conspicuous appearance at Eid prayers in his country--and quickly shuffled off for a foreign holiday. The Emir regularly bestows cash gifts on citizens.
Ruler of Dubai and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Ben Rashed Al Maktoum had an incredibly busy Eid, greeting many of his colleagues within the fraternity of Gulf and UAE royalty. Just as well: it is impossible to find a parking space at a Dubai mall over the holidays.
Ruler of Dubai and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Ben Rashed Al Maktoum had an incredibly busy Eid, greeting many of his colleagues within the fraternity of Gulf and UAE royalty. Just as well: it is impossible to find a parking space at a Dubai mall over the holidays.
Qatar's Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani and his Consort, Sheikha Mouza Al Misned, have a lot to be thankful for this time around: Not only are they likely to get a new influential role in a post-Gaddafi Libya, but Eid coincided with their country's 40th anniversary of independence.
Qatar's Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani and his Consort, Sheikha Mouza Al Misned, have a lot to be thankful for this time around: Not only are they likely to get a new influential role in a post-Gaddafi Libya, but Eid coincided with their country's 40th anniversary of independence.
Saudi Arabia's King, who takes personal pride in his care-taking of Islam's holiest shrines, marked the Muslim festival by making large donations to the poor and needy in Palestine and Somalia. In a televised address, he made a plea for greater world peace and understanding, hoping that the holiday will bring better times for the Arab world.
Saudi Arabia's King, who takes personal pride in his care-taking of Islam's holiest shrines, marked the Muslim festival by making large donations to the poor and needy in Palestine and Somalia. In a televised address, he made a plea for greater world peace and understanding, hoping that the holiday will bring better times for the Arab world.
King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan had a quiet, stay-at-home celebration over Eid, and avoided the limelight. The King did make a traditional speech which was later re-broadcast by the Queen on Twitter. "A blessed #Eid to all of you and your loved ones. #JO"
King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan had a quiet, stay-at-home celebration over Eid, and avoided the limelight. The King did make a traditional speech which was later re-broadcast by the Queen on Twitter. "A blessed #Eid to all of you and your loved ones. #JO"

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