‘It was good to cut down on the cravings’

Abu Dhabi: Oxana Victor hails from a small Eastern European and former Soviet republic country – Moldova. Understandably, her association with Islam and the culture had been hearsay or bookish until she decided to make her switch to the UAE, three years ago.

“I was coming to a new country all alone and was very curious about Ramadan. All I was told was not to drink water or eat anything in front of anyone. So I was always focusing on not hurting anyone’s sentiments. It is tough as sometimes invariably, you forget you are not supposed to drink [water],” recalls Victor, who is in her twenties. According to her, Moldovan Muslims are mainly of Syrian origin who migrated there long ago.

“There is a small community of Syrian Muslims who are into business but you will be surprised to know that I had never came across a mosque as there was none then in Moldova,” added Victor, who recalled that initially, it was a challenge to go without food or water during the working hours during Ramadan.

Though there was a designated area, such as the pantry, where employees who were not fasting could take a sip of water, Victor desisted. “I feel it was good to cut down on the cravings and it helped me to lose some weight as well,” said Victor.

There are around 2,000 people in the Moldovian community here in the UAE and Victor reveals that she has more friends from other nationalities than her countrymen and iftar invitations are currently in full flow.

“Someone or the other is always inviting you for iftar,” she said, adding that it is a good occasion to catch up with friends.

“I’m not a foodie but I like trying out Arabic cuisine. I now understand the culture here better and I’m well-versed with the traditions as well,” says Victor.

Name: Oxana Victor

Age: 26

From: Moldova

Profession: Food and beverages executive