Iftar on the job: I break my fast at work and I'm used to it

Most of the gym's customers frequent the place in the evening hours, even during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ismail Katamba, a fitness instructor at a gym and health club in Abu Dhabi, breaks his fast on the job most of the time. The Ugandan said he has learned to cope with it. Katamba, 32, has been observing Ramadan in the UAE for the past five years.
Most of the gym's customers frequent the place in the evening hours, even during the holy month of Ramadan. "Many of our customers come to the gym for training during the evening after they have finished work," said Katamba.
"During Ramadan, I receive people coming for personal training from 4pm to 5pm. Then, I conduct cross-fit classes from 5pm to 6pm. This is a good time for training for personal endurance and many people, including those who are fasting, attend my class. They really enjoy the fitness exercises."
Katamba is at work during Iftar. "I always break my fast at work and I'm used to it. I bring my Iftar meal to work. Sometimes, I have Iftar with worshippers in a tent at the nearby mosque," he said.
After opening his fast, he resumes duty from 8pm to midnight. He takes a break in between to perform the Taraweeh prayer. "I love my job because it gives me the chance to help people live healthy and stay in shape," said Katamba.
The expat said he loves Ramadan in the UAE because of the religious fervour that grips residents. They are generous and kind during the holy month, he said. "You can feel the spirit of Ramadan in this part of the world. But I definitely miss my family at this time of the year, especially during Iftar," he added.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Ramadan 2021