UAE residents happy to make 'Eid at home' a family affair

Dubai - 'We are glad that we are living in this country that cares for us and is taking all the precautions to keep us safe'

With the UAE announcing a socially-distanced Eid Al Adha celebrations this year in order to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, residents said they were happy to comply with the guidelines and will keep the celebration low-key by avoiding gatherings and, instead, use technology to celebrate the festival virtually.
Dubai resident Nadeem Ahmed said he was happy to be staying indoors this Eid and was looking forward to marking the four-day break with his family.
"We are glad that we are living in this country that cares for us and is taking all the precautions to keep us safe. We are happy to obey as our compliance is the only way that can help get rid of this pandemic at the earliest. We can still do so much here as there is no lockdown and we can visit different places and eat out with our family, of course, following the full safety measures. "
Ahmed said he was happy to avoid gatherings as he just had a baby and therefore he would prefer to stay indoors with his family. "It is my second daughter's first Eid so I am busy shopping for my kids now. For sure we will miss praying, gathering, meeting and greeting at the mosque but I am hopeful this sacrifice will yield positive results and we can all meet our relatives and friends once we get rid of this pandemic."
A bit disappointed with the news, another resident Irfan Yusuf said he was hoping to offer Eid Al Adha prayers at the mosque with his family this time since mosques and other public places have reopened. But he said he had full trust in the measures being undertaken by the government, which is why he would be praying with his family within the confines of his home.
"I have full trust and faith in the UAE authorities as they have better wisdom and statistical data to take decision which is for the betterment of all citizens and residents. I am looking forward to making the most of these blessed days of Eid Al Adha to seek God's forgiveness and hope things improve. Since it is a festival of sacrifice and happiness, we will celebrate it in full swing beginning our day with praying at home in congregation, having traditional desserts and using technology to connect with family and friends."

Calling it a wise decision, Seema Ansari said: " My family and I were happy to hear about this decision of the government asking people to pray at home as till now there is no solution to end this pandemic. There is no vaccine yet and the only way to slow it down is to keep away from social gatherings. Definitely we miss going to the mosque and praying with all but the pandemic has made us rethink everything we used to do previously and larger good of the society is of paramount importance now. Therefore, we will mark this Eid at home but that won't slow down our celebrations as we have already got our new clothes and I am geared up to make all our traditional dishes. And we are grateful to God for keeping us safe and giving a chance be together at home with our loved ones, eating good food and wearing good clothes."

saman@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai