UAE | Heritage and Culture
Expats enjoy festivities in haven of peace
Many expatriates have expressed joy over the peace and stability in the UAE, saying that their home countries are in turmoil during the festivities.
- By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:02 October 1, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Many expatriates have expressed joy over the peace and stability in the UAE, saying that their home countries are in turmoil during the festivities.
"All of us have a peaceful celebration here whereas my country is bleeding due to internal turmoil," said Dr Qaiser Anees, President of the Pakistani Business Council in Abu Dhabi. "The world has become more volatile and it is a time to pray for peace."
Saeed Nasser Al Wahedi, an Emirati, felt that that the Eid is a time to strengthen relationships. "After Eid prayers, we visit relatives and friends at a majlis in the evening," he said.
M A Salam, general secretary of the Indian Social and Cultural Centre, said, "Biriyani is a special dish cooked for Eid."
"Eid is like Christmas and gives you quiet moments to enjoy with the family," said Paul Sellers, country director of the British Council.
Journey to understand
An Australian couple said they recognised the purpose of Ramadan when they had morning coffee on the first day of Eid, after a stint of fasting. "A year in the UAE was a journey to understand the religious and cultural aspects of Islam," said Dr Jonathan Paul West and his wife Janet.
A Sri Lankan couple said, "We are Buddhists and learned a lot about Islam by fasting in Ramadan here," said Priyadarshinie Kumar, president of the Sri Lankan Community Circle.
"We are one of the largest communities in Abu Dhabi and we are having various community gatherings," said Abdul Salam, general secretary of the Bangladeshi Association.
Share this article
More from UAE Heritage & Culture
More from UAE
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
The best reader pictures from around the UAE this week
Latest news
- Festival expected to galvanise UAE's Pakistani community
- UAE visitor admits to possessing fake notes
- Men get bail in Dubai due to lack of translator
- Security trial in UAE adjourned until December
- Colombia seeks stronger ties with UAE
- Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides glimpse of Indian culture
- Conference on combatting crime through sports begins
- Duo develop low energy desalting process
- Passer-by foils Dh2.5m robbery bid in Dubai
- Sharjah book fair to focus on innovative publishers
- UAE official urges corporate support for diabetes control initiatives
- Brothers deny vandalising plaintiff's car
- Over 6,000 Haj pilgrims to get vaccines
- Abu Dhabi residential city on track
- Extended break for Eid and National Day
Community Reports
-
Pavement parking irks pedestrians
Gulf News reader calls on authorities to step in and stop car owners from invading pathways meant for safe walking
-
Faded parking lines pose a problem
Motorists could be fined for parking incorrectly even though they can hardly see the boundaries in the designated areas
-
School buses block residential parking
Commercial vehicles taking up free parking facilities in Al Wuheida, inconveniencing residents in surrounding villas
-
Community report: Doing their bit for poor children
A group of students takes concrete action to raise funds for Dubai Cares
