Meet UAE residents who worked on Eid Al Fitr holidays so others could celebrate

Her shift during the Eid day was from 9 am to 5.30 pm, which meant missing out on Eid lunch with family. While Hina also misses the celebrations back home, she finds solace in being surrounded by friends and her husband here in Dubai. “But for me, whenever family gathers, it’s always a celebration. In my early days here, it was just a job, but now I genuinely love what I do, and I will always be there when the job demands,” she said.

“I was at work on the first two days of Eid and took a break on the third day. I miss my family. Their Eid was on Monday, but I am happy that I have new friends here. They are all very kind, and we have great teamwork. I’m happy to interact with a lot of nationalities here,” she said.

“The food court here is generally busy, but during Eid holidays, it is fully packed, and we have more work. But I am happy to work hard. I can keep my family happy if I work hard. Anyway, it is for my better future,” said the young expat from Bangladesh, who has been in Dubai for four years.

“Firstly, I am happy to help my Muslim colleagues take a break to celebrate the Eid festival after fasting for a month in Ramadan. Secondly, I enjoy serving customers who come for last-minute shopping for festivals like Eid. That is the period when we see a lot of rush,” added Pandey, who has been working here for 10 years.