Dubai: This Ramadan is extra special for Kenyan expat Hirum Thumi and wife Beth.
The couple are expecting their first child and have found the relaxed working hours during the holy month all the more beneficial for them.
Hirum is a marketing professional with a money exchange firm, and Beth, who works for an airline, is currently on leave.
The couple said the change in Ramadan timing offers them the huge advantage of being able to spend more time with each other, especially as Hirum has a split shift.
“I work from 10am to 2.30pm, then take a break till 9pm, and again work till 11.30pm,” he said. “The break between 2.30pm and 9pm is what we enjoy the most.”
Much of this time is spent doing activities that also ensure they are ticking the boxes of health, fitness and healthy eating.
“[My wife] is so much into fitness and eating healthy that most of the time we are in the kitchen trying out recipes and later, when the sun goes down, we take a walk in the neighbourhood park and talk of various things. This time together helps us make up for the time lost due to our varying work schedules,” said Hirum.
On days when Hirum works a straight shift, he gets home from work around 6pm as opposed to 9pm on other days.
“That is three extra hours of rest and quality time,” he said.
Some of the extra time in Ramadan is also spent with friends who drop in and everyone heads to the mall for a spot of shopping. Midweek mall visits, Hirum said, are preferable as the crowds are thinner.
- Hirum Thumi | Marketing professional
Beth is enjoying a more relaxed Ramadan this year as she is on maternity leave and gets to sleep longer in the mornings. When her husband is at work, she catches up with many of her favourite movies and TV series.
The would-be mother has also taken up a hobby and is currently making pom-pom mats.
Ramadan also helps them meet new people and make friends, said Hirum. “The culture in the UAE is that people give a lot and are a lot more kind in their conduct, even at the workplace. There is no discrimination anywhere, whether people are fasting or not; it is just a good place to be in,” said Hirum.
“This shows just how much people respect, accept and accommodate each other in the UAE.”
