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
  • Gulf News

 

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.

 

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