Sharjah's GPO roundabout is all illuminated for Eid. Kamal Kassim/Gulf Today

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the most important months for Muslims as this Holy Month is one of the five key pillars of Islam and also when the Holy Quran (another major pillar) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Traditionally, Eid Al Fitr begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the moon of Shawwal (Islamic month). If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month, then the holiday is celebrated the following day, the 30th day of Ramadan.

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No other festival brings so much joy among the millions of residents in the UAE who welcome the festivities after a month-long fasting period. The season spreads goodwill not just among the faithful, but also among many non-Muslims in the country.

Expatriates from different nationalities in the UAE are ready to celebrate another Eid with their traditional greetings and religious fervour.

Believers arrive at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan. AFP

For expatriates celebrating in the UAE away from family members and loved ones, Eid is spent with the communities they’ve built away from home.

Let me give you a glimpse of the day as the families feel the aroma of freshly cooked dishes for Eid from their kitchens, the loud chanting of Takbir Prayers in the house and lively conversations exchanged over feasts tell the story of Eid.

 Eid is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country. But here in the UAE the official holiday period is about 4 days (if the moon is not sighted the holidays could be 5 days as announced — the holidays are from 29th Ramadan to 3rd Shawwal).

It is forbidden to fast on the day of Eid, and a specific prayer is nominated for this day. As an obligatory act of charity, money is paid to the poor and the needy (Zakat-ul-fitr) before performing the Eid prayer.

Eid in the UAE is a little different as far as the expatriate factor is concerned. Here in the UAE the Eid is a special day among families and friends throughout the Islamic world. People here celebrate these days as a festival of happiness that immediately follows the end of the month of Ramadan and is the most significant and joyous observance of the Islamic faith.

There are occasions when we visit friends in their homes as everyone here has a busy schedule even during the holidays.

Devotees arrive for prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi on April 17, 2023 during Laylat al-Qadr. AFP

Eid holidays are the perfect time for residents here to see each other and celebrate the festival together.

Malls all over the UAE always have a massive rush because they are chock-a-block with entertainment programmes and shows especially for kids and families. Children gather in small choir groups in front of a home and sing. The song is intended to call on God to bless the youngest child of the family, to keep him or her healthy so that the mother will remain happy. The more they sing, the more nuts and sweets they receive. The Qarqee’an tradition is intended to spread love, happiness and affection among adults and children.

This Eid presents the faithful with the opportunity to thank God for granting them the strength and conviction to complete the obligatory fast and obey His commandments during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Supermarkets, corporates and malls compete to attract children during this time via advertising in newspapers and on TV, and by offering special promotions and arranging Qarqee’an events.

In Pakistan, this Eid is also referred to as “Chhoti Eid,” ‘the Lesser Eid’ or Meethi Eid, ‘Sweet Eid." People are supposed to give obligatory charity on behalf of each of their family members to the needy or poor before Eid day or, at most, before the Eid prayer, allowing for all to share in the joy of Eid.

Young girls and women apply henna tattoos on their hands and feet. The older women, while applying it too, don’t do very complicated designs. The boys and young men in some communities might apply it as well but with very simple designs, like a circle in their palms or just colouring the fingertips.

At home, family members enjoy a special Eid breakfast with various types of sweets and desserts, including Kheer and the traditional dessert Sheer Khurma, which is made of vermicelli, milk, butter, dry fruits, and dates.

The main aspect of Eid is spending time with people you care about and spreading the cheer.