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In the spirit of tolerance and coexistence, many non-Muslim residents in the UAE celebrated Eid Al Fitr with friends and loved ones.
In a country that embraces over 200 nationalities and consists of 76 per cent Muslims, nine per cent Christians and 15 per cent of other religious groups, according to a 2005 ministry report, social and religious occasions are an opportunity for all of society's different segments to gather and celebrate.
Social media networks were flooded with Eid wishes and memorable and joyful moments that brought Muslims and Non-Muslims together.
"To me, Muslims and Christians were always one; their Eid is our Eid, and that's why I never liked to stay at home because it is a happy occasion for everyone," said Hussam Al Nasrallah, born and raised |in the UAE.
He stated that he loved joining in the occasion, especially as he sees celebration themes through street decorations and smiles on children's faces. Even when he chooses to stay outdoors, he invites his Muslim friends to his home, where they bring in Eid sweets and celebrate until late at night.
"It is always a shared occasion. Eid is for everyone and everyone should be happy together."
A reminder of blessings
Philanthropist and producer Benedetta Paravia, who came to the UAE in 2002, said Eid reminds her of the family-oriented celebrations that take place in her homeland in South of Italy.
"I feel pampered and relaxed among Eid celebrations in the UAE," she said.
Paravia stated she received Eid cookies as a present from her Emirati friends. She celebrates the festival with them in their majlis, sometimes taking a road trip with her brother to Abu Dhabi to greet the rest of her friends.
Nigerian Chuka Ekweogwu said Eid is a "welcoming moment of celebrating the fasting period of abstinence from the material things of this world. It promotes a celebration of self-purification, soul searching, and total submission to God."
Living in the UAE for three years, Ekweogwu noted he celebrates Eid with his Muslim friends in their homes.
Similarly, Nicola Al Sayegh, who witnessed 23 Eid seasons in the UAE, takes the feast as an opportunity to catch up with friends he does not often see. With the three-day feast aligning with the ongoing Euro Cup, Al Sayegh said he "finds Eid an occasion that brings everyone together, away from daily pressures." He added that the feast spreads happiness and a state of gratefulness among everyone in the society.
Spending it between coffee shops and friends' homes, Al Sayegh said he does not miss the chance to celebrate Eid even when he is abroad.
Among the thousands who spent Eid holidays at The Dubai Mall was Pierre Samih and his friends. He said the festival gives a sense of joy even to those who do not celebrate it. Meeting his Muslim friends, he usually goes on a road trip with them, or exchanges home visits and watches movies. "We usually find an activity to do or a lounge to chill at or we just spend hours laughing in the car trying to park."
He added: "Eid spirit is like Christmas; everyone is excited and happy even if you do not celebrate it."
- sherouk@khaleejtimes.com
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