Eid brings together diverse cultures, nationalities

A stark contrast from the quiet daytimes during the holy month of Ramadan, Monday afternoon saw swarms of Muslim and non-Muslim expatriates alike flock to the malls and streets of Dubai to mark the first day of Eid. A country which has more than 200 different nationalities living together as one, Eid Al Fitr celebrations brought them together.

Eid activities in The Dubai Mall on Monday. -KT photo by Grace Guino

Twenty eight-year-old British expat Lynzi Claire moved to Dubai just five months ago and this is her first Eid in the UAE. Back home she says many around her would celebrate the occasion.

“I used to live in a town with a very large Muslim community, one of the highest in the UK, in fact. So although this is my first time celebrating here, I am quite accustomed to it all.”

With a relaxing few days off work to look forward to, Claire says she’ll be making the most of her time off enjoying it with friends by the pool.

“My friend actually shares her birthday with the first day of Eid, too, so we’ll be continuing the celebrations this evening by throwing her a barbeque.”

With the UAE holding the highest rates in the world as far as diversity of foreign nationalities is concerned, residents here witness a vast number of religious holidays and celebrations each year.

Though Eid Al Fitr is a day of blessings for all fasting Muslims, it also aims to bring together the diverse cultures and nationalities.

With the government hosting a number of initiatives including ‘Eid In Dubai’ many choose to join in on the joyous celebrations, despite different religious backgrounds.

Living in the UK for 10 years, 23-year-old Maddie S has celebrated Eid with friends and family here for many years. With her family now back home in the UK, she says this year will be a little quieter.

“I will be spending Eid mostly relaxing and catching up with friends,” she said.

And 27-year-old British expat Mark Buchan says he will be spending it in a similar way.

“My family is holidaying in Turkey at the moment so I’ll just be here with friends. I may go to the mall but it’s usually pretty busy so I’ll probably just go for dinner somewhere to celebrate.”

With a two-day break from work to look forward to, Buchan, who’s been in Dubai for one year, is celebrating Eid for the first time.

“This is my first Eid and although I don’t know the deep rooted religious meaning behind the holiday, I do know it is celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan.”

Eid Mubarak!

kelly@khaleejtimes.com