What Eid Al-Adha looks like for workers far from their families

Dubai: For many people in the UAE, Eid Al-Adha means family, feasts, and time off. But for the thousands of workers who keep the country running through the holiday, celebration looks a little different and no less meaningful. Behind the festive lights, long lunches, and homebound travel plans, there are construction crews, delivery riders, cleaners, drivers, and service staff who continue their shifts so everyday life doesn’t pause. For them, Eid often arrives in quiet pockets of time, early morning prayers squeezed between schedules, shared meals in labour accommodations, or phone calls home that cross countries and time zones.

It is a day shaped by distance, but also by resilience, where small gestures of connection carry as much weight as grand celebrations.

Abdul Rehman Ismail, a private driver, knows the feeling well. With his family back in Pakistan, the festivities here are more low-key. But the day still holds its rhythm. "Before Eid, we do shop, and for Eid, we do Namaz, and we eat something sweet," he says. "We make programs with friends, and for outings, we look at good places, and all our friends get together."

Dubai-based cab driver Faizan tries to fly home for Eid when he can. When work keeps him here, he starts the morning with Namaz, puts in a full day, and ends it the best way he knows how: a good meal shared with friends. As he says, he and his brother, Junaid, just want to celebrate with their close ones around. "After work, we celebrate," he says.

For Abdallah Awadh, a hotel team leader originally from Kenya, working on Eid is not a compromise. It is its own kind of observance. "I believe you can uphold those values even while working," he says. He plans to exchange greetings with colleagues and guests, share sweets on his breaks, and check in with his family when he can. "Serving guests with a smile and ensuring they feel safe and cared for is my way of honoring the spirit of Eid."

Abdusalam Para, a hotel supervisor from India, echoes that sentiment. For him, being present for others during the holiday carries its own meaning. "Being able to help others during such an important occasion is itself a meaningful celebration," he says.

Both Abdallah and Abdusalam acknowledge that this Eid carries extra weight. With conflict and hardship affecting communities around the world, the themes of Eid Al-Adha, sacrifice, compassion, and solidarity, feel especially resonant.

"It is a reminder to strengthen our connections, support those in need, and spread peace wherever we can," says Abdusalam.

Abdallah puts it simply: "While I cannot change global events, I can ensure that in my workplace, everyone feels respected and at peace."

For Sajid Mansoori, a delivery rider, Eid begins the same way it does for millions around the world: with Namaz. But the rest of the day quickly shifts back into motion.

“We celebrate with friends and family, and eat food. And then we go for duty,” he says. Nevertheless, it is always a good day as his smile says.

Faslu Rahman, a travel agent consultant, noted that Eid at work is still deeply meaningful because it is shared with the people around him. “Even while on Eid, if we are at work, we will celebrate Eid by spending time with our team,” he says. “Eid to us is about togetherness, kindness and helping others.”

According to him, working during the holiday also strengthens his connection to the UAE community. “We are proud to serve during this special time and be part of the UAE community, which always feels like one big family during Eid.”

For Riyas Hakkim, a graphic designer, Eid is marked by small moments of connection across distance. He woke up at 5am for prayers before calling his family back home. “Tomorrow is Eid in my country,” he says.

A week earlier, he had sent money home so his family could buy new clothes for the occasion. Now, he is waiting for a message that means everything to him.

“Tomorrow morning I will call them and wish them, then my son will send me a photo of himself wearing the new dress. I will be happy when I see it.”

On the other hand, Mohamed Kamal, a radiographer at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, highlighted that Eid is carefully divided between family, friends, and work.

The day begins with time spent with his family before heading in for duty. “After duty, Inshallah, we will go to Ajman and eat Egyptian food,” he says.

Even with a late shift ending at 9pm, he still plans to make time for celebration. After work, he will meet friends, share a meal, and play football, turning the final hours of Eid into a moment of connection and joy.

Dr. Hammad Khan, senior emergency medicine physician and manager at Prime Hospital, spends his Eid in one of the busiest and most demanding environments imaginable, the emergency department.

While families across the UAE gather to celebrate, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and support staff continue working through the night to care for patients in urgent need. “Illness and emergencies do not pause for holidays or festivities,” he says.

For him, the moments that stay longest are often the quietest ones, the gratitude shown by patients and families during difficult moments. “Healthcare is not only a profession, but a continuous commitment to humanity, compassion, and service."

Similarly, Dr. Zaheer Abbas, a dermatologist at SKIN 111 Clinic, looks forward to spending time with his family "Even with a busy schedule, Eid is all about prioritising family and connection. This year, we are celebrating with a trip to Yas Island, enjoying quality time together at Warner Bros. World," he says, adding, "For me, the heart of the holiday is keeping traditions alive whether that's giving eidi to the family here." Nevertheless, while extended family is still miles away, he makes it a point to hop on calls with loved ones and share wishes, celebrating across miles.

For these workers, Eid is not something that waits until the shift ends. It travels with them.