UAE | Society
Non-Muslims in UAE enjoy festival spirit
They celebrate the occasion with just as much flair as their fasting counterparts
- By Samihah Zaman, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 August 30, 2011
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Abu Dhabi: With Ramadan drawing to a close, Muslims across the UAE are moving on from their Ramadan routines to plan parties and finish their shopping in preparation for Eid Al Fitr.
The festival has however come to hold much significance in the lives of many non-Muslim expatriates, too, who are residing in the UAE, with many of them celebrating the occasion with just as much flair as their fasting counterparts.
Read more Eid and Ramadan-related stories
While some long-time residents prefer to spend the break exploring the outdoors, Eid is still all about friends and family for all of them.
V. Nandakumar, a 38-year-old communications executive from India, told Gulf News that over the years, Eid has become a very traditional affair for his family. "I've lived in the UAE for 11 years, and it has come to a point where I virtually fast during Ramadan. So just like my Muslim colleagues, my family too eagerly anticipates this festival of joy," he said. Nandakumar said exchanging gifts was also a vital part of the festival for his family.
Even for residents who are forced to work through the break, Eid is a time to get together with friends.
"My husband, who is a personal trainer, usually has to work through Eid. But we always make it a point to catch up with friends, which feels all the more special since when one is away from home," said Anna Garcia, a 28-year-old airline executive from Australia.
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For 34-year-old Keyur Athaide and his family, Eid Al Fitr this time will be an opportunity to explore the UAE. "We have been in the UAE for about eight years, and usually like to go camping in the beautiful mountains in Dibba over the Eid break. But this year, my wife and I want to explore other places like the Emirates Palace, the Al Ain Zoo and perhaps even Atlantis," the engineer from India said.
Eid in the UAE is also much anticipated by expatriates experiencing it for the first time.
Helen Collier, a 32-year-old public relations manager from England, said she treasured her first experience of Ramadan in the UAE.
"For Eid, my husband and I are planning to undertake a road trip to Ras Al Khaimah, which we haven't been to before. And we are definitely looking forward to it," Collier said.
First Eid in the UAE
Eid in the UAE is also much anticipated by expatriates experiencing it for the first time.
Helen Collier, a 32-year-old public relations manager from England, said she treasured her first experience of Ramadan in the UAE.
"I moved to Abu Dhabi this year, from London, and I found the whole month fascinating, especially the community feel of it, the way the city has come to life in the evening, and the general spirituality of it all. The whole experience makes you reflect, and brings people together," she said.
"For Eid, my husband and I are planning to undertake a road trip to Ras Al Khaimah, which we haven't been to before. And we are definitely looking forward to it," Collier added.
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