In Focus | Ramadan

UAE-based engineer finds staying away from family harder than effects of fasting

Al Baity who works offshore often for 25 days at a stretch says Ramadan is tougher for his family

  • By Samihah Zaman, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 August 28, 2011
  • Gulf News

Mohammad Ja’afar Al Baity
  • Image Credit: Supplied
  • I am just a half hour’s flight away from them on the island, and yet they seem so far away because I cannot get to them, says Mohammad Ja’afar Al Baity.

Abu Dhabi: When Mohammad Ja'afar Al Baity is working, fasting is a tough task. Not only is the 36-year-old in an environment where the heat and humidity routinely raise temperatures to above 40 degrees Celsius, but he is also away from his young family for days at a time.

Nevertheless, the senior mechanical engineer, who works offshore for an Abu Dhabi-based gas liquefaction company, says Ramadan is tougher for his family.

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"Fasting while I am on site is undoubtedly more difficult than when I am home. But I honestly believe that my family faces a harder time because they miss me so much. When I reach home, I always find my children waiting for me at the door," Al Baity told Gulf News.

Al Baity works on an island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, which is populated only by the people who work in gas liquefaction or oil drilling firms. Although supplied with basic amenities like shops and a handful of restaurants, the job means that he has to be away from his family for 25 days at a time.

Although afterwards he receives 20 days' leave so he can spend time with his wife and children, the father of two said Ramadan is a noticeably harder time of year to be offshore.

Fatigue

"Working outdoors on site is hard in all weather conditions, especially as you are surrounded by hot liquids and steam. This heat is simply magnified during summer in the UAE, and going out on site often means you end up very thirsty and exhausted," Al Baity said.

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His work includes being in a mix of air-conditioned offices and outdoor work, but a day that includes a site visit is particularly hard. Yet the dedicated engineer said he had managed to observe his fast every Ramadan for 10 years.

Al Baity also explained that what he misses most when he is offshore during the fasting month is the experience of Ramadan with his family.

"I am just a half hour's flight away from them on the island, and yet they seem so far away because I cannot get to them. My wife cooks special dishes for iftar and I end up missing them. So I wait to go home so I can share iftar with my family," he added.

When he finally heads back to Abu Dhabi, Al Baity loves taking his wife and children — seven-year-old Abdullah and five-year-old Sara — out for iftar and suhour.

"I love to spoil my wife and my children, especially as when I am away they keep calling me and counting the days till I return. So when I see them again, I take them out for dinner often, get them gifts, and even help my wife with the housework and shopping," he said.

Time for reflection

Ramadan is also a time of spirituality and reflection for the Emirati father, who tries to attend Taraweeh (night prayers) as often as possible wherever he is.

"I also try my best to instil good values in my children during this special time of year," he said.

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