Eid in UAE: 1,300 Indonesian expats celebrate with prayers, chicken opor, songs

Abu Dhabi: More than 1,300 Indonesian expats from diverse backgrounds gathered at the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Eid Al Fitr with prayers, traditional songs, and dishes, including chicken curry and rice.

The festivities began on Sunday with Eid prayers at the mosque named after Indonesia’s former president, Joko Widodo. According to the embassy, more than 2,000 people attended the morning prayers, including Indonesians, Emiratis, Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Nepalese, Jordanians, Malaysians, Uzbeks, and other nationalities.

Following the prayers, Indonesian expats, many dressed in traditional attire, gathered at the embassy for a joyful get-together, transforming the courtyard into a vibrant space filled with warmth, camaraderie and festive cheer.

Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE, Husin Bagis, encouraged all expats to use Eid as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relationships and promote Indonesian culture in the UAE.

“God willing, next year we will celebrate Eid even more joyfully,” he said.

The celebration offered a taste of home with traditional Indonesian dishes such as ‘lontong sayur’ (rice with vegetables), ‘opor ayam’ (chicken in coconut sauce), and ‘telur balado’ (spicy eggs).

Community members from various professions, including teachers, professors, students, clerics, healthcare workers, and nannies, savoured the delicacies.

They were enthralled by a live performance from the ‘Axe’ band, led by an Indonesian vocalist, who performed Eid-themed songs like ‘Assalamualaikum’, ‘Selamat Hari Lebaran’, and other contemporary Islamic songs.

The embassy highlighted the collaborative efforts of various organisations, including the Indonesian Muslim Community Family (KMMI), in ensuring the event's success.

On Sunday afternoon, Bagis hosted an Open House at the Ambassador’s residence, welcoming members of the business community, diplomatic entities, and expats.

“With a spirit of togetherness, unity, and love for the homeland, the Eid celebration at the embassy became a special moment that strengthened the bonds among the Indonesian diaspora in the UAE,” the embassy stated.