For many UAE residents, it is work as usual during Eid holidays

Dubai - Khaleej Times reached out to a small group of professionals who won't be able to avail of the long Eid break.

After a month-long Ramadan, residents across the UAE have already sunk into a week-long holiday, enjoying with their families and loved ones. However, as people across the nation gear up to celebrate Eid Al Fitr with their friends and family this year, a small group of essential employees will be working regular shifts.

Khaleej Times reached out to a small group of professionals who won't be able to avail of the long Eid break. While most can reimburse their Eid holidays for monetary benefits from the company, some also avail their holidays on another day. Special days like Eid do not deter these employees from working.

Take delivery and maintenance professional Muhammed Ajmal for example. On duty on Eid day, he has to answer residents' calls for home maintenance needs.

"Usually, the calls are much lesser in comparison to usual days. However, I do try and catch up for Eid lunch with my friends and cousins in our accommodation. I never miss the morning prayers though. This is the case every year. People are usually very kind; most houses I have been to, the families have offered lunch or some kind of Eid sweet," explained Ajmal.

Watchman for a building in Al Nud area, Hameed Palolkandy said he is 'technically working' during Eid day. "I've learnt to combine work while celebrating. Being a watchman and guardian of the building means residents would require help at all times. However, there is a small masjid below the building, and many of our friends and relatives get together to have Eid lunch together," he explained. However, in case he is needed by a resident in the building, Hameed is ready to help.

Louai Kanjo, a Dubai airport employee, will be working on the second day of the Eid Al Fitr holidays. "The main Eid day will be with family, as always. Since I am not on an administration schedule, it really depends on how the roster is created. Some days I am lucky to have time off during Eid, sometimes not. The days assigned are very random. Celebrations are mostly at home where we have lunch with family, and we don't miss the early morning prayers. Probably at night, we go to see other members of the family."

Professionals in the food and hospitality industry are also always busy during the festive season. Santhosh, an employee at Tasty Tea Café in Al Nahda, Dubai, said: "We are open during Eid. We serve South Indian breakfast dishes and for lunch, we serve porotta, curry, etc. We also do delivery. It's a busy time, so we keep the cafeteria open. It gets busy during the evenings, as people come by to drink tea and relax with their friends."

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai