Dubai: Labourers cutting across nationalities joined hands in cooking up a feast on the first day of Eid Al Adha at their workers’ accommodation in Al Quoz.
In high spirits, a bunch of labourers from different nationalities gathered in a huge kitchen at their camp to cook the special Eid meal after performing the ritual sacrifice of a lamb.
Preparations to celebrate one of the most religious holidays of the year began in advance for some 600 labourers staying at the camp, who had planned to make the most out of their long break.
Roommates exchanged greetings after morning Eid prayers at a nearby mosque and then headed back to camp to cook Eid dishes together.
Abdul Rahman, a Bangladeshi working as a tea boy in a bank, said he and his roommates decided to pool resources and purchase livestock they wanted to slaughter for Eid.
His voice was enough to show how excited he was regarding his four-day break. He said he planned to indulge in various fun activities before resuming work on Sunday.
“It’s such a long and welcome break for us, since we work for many hours a day and only get one day off in a week,” said Abdul Rahman. “We prepared some sweets on Arafat day and then just sat to rest. Today, we cooked some meat biryani and are thinking of heading to Hatta.”
Zaker Hussain, a Pakistani driver staying at the same camp, said he was waiting all year to get this break from work and wants to visit friends in other emirates to wish them personally.
“On the first day of Eid, I like to go out to meet some relatives and friends I haven’t seen for a long time,” said Hussain. “On the rest of the days, me and my roommates plan to head to the park or the beach taking selfies,” he giggled.
Mohammad Jahangir, a Bangladeshi cleaner, said the holiday was a treat for him and his roommates. “It’s nice to get our minds off work and spend days together with friends and relatives. Apart from joining my friends to the park, I want to watch a nice movie. I don’t get a chance to visit cinemas often,” he said.
