A family relishes an outing after offering Eid prayers. Kamal Kassim/Gulf Today

The Islamic calendar is lunar and depends on the sighting of the moon. The Holy Month of Ramadan sees worshippers fasting daily from dawn to sunset, ending with Eid Al Fitr celebrations.

Eid Al Fitr is one of Islam’s principal festivals and this year was celebrated on Friday (April 21, 2023). Eid Al Fitr is a three-day-long festival and is known as the “Lesser” or “Smaller Eid” when compared to Eid Al Adha (Eid Al Fitr comes earlier in the year and Eid Al Adha later), which is a four-day-long festival and is known as the “Greater Eid.”

Eid’s literally means “a festival” or “feast” in Arabic. There are two major Eids in the Islamic calendar per year.

The two Eids recognise, celebrate and recall two distinct events that are significant to the story of Islam.

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Family, friends and food fortify festive fervour

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh celebrate Eid Al Fitr on Saturday

In many countries with large Muslim populations, Eid Al Fitr is a national holiday.

Here in the UAE all schools, offices and businesses are closed so family, friends and neighbours can enjoy the celebrations together.

Charity to the poor is a highly emphasised value in Islam. The Quran says, “Believe in Allah and his messenger, and give charity out of the (substance) that Allah has made you heirs of. For those of you who believe and give charity — for them is a great reward.”

The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities and thanks to the vision of its leaders, His Highnesses Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and other Rulers and sheikhs, the UAE has transformed itself into a land of opportunities for skilled and qualified expats.

Numra Naqvi (left) with her family.

The UAE has the most diversified economy among the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. In the 21st century, the country has become less reliant on oil and gas and is economically focusing on tourism and business.

Numra Naqvi says "Living in UAE for the past 24 years, Eid has always been the best time here. We usually spent our first 2 days dressing up and meeting our loved ones and celebrating Eid with them. The best part of Eid apart from family gatherings is the food we have."

Crowds throng Ajman beach during the Eid holidays. Kamal Kassim/Gulf Today

Muhammad Tayyeb says, “As a Pakistani expatriate living in Dubai, celebrating Eid with my family has always been a special occasion. We try to keep our traditions alive by preparing traditional dishes and wearing new clothes. On the day of Eid, we wake up early to get ready for prayers at the mosque. The atmosphere is festive and lively, with everyone dressed in their best clothes and greeting each other with hugs and Eid Mubarak wishes. After the prayers, we head back home to continue our celebrations. Our day is filled with food, family, and fun activities. We start by exchanging gifts and feasting on traditional dishes like biryani, kebabs, and sheer khurma. Later in the day, we visit our relatives and friends to exchange greetings and share the joy of the festival.”

Saifullah Mumtaz remarks, “I hardly get the feeling of being an expat as the UAE has been home for more than 35 years. Almost all my immediate family members are based here so our Eid festivities are done beautifully and everyone gets together on the first day of Eid to eat food cooked by my mom.

“The second and the third day of Eid is spent meeting friends and going out on picnics and camping.”

Muhammad Tayyeb (left) Saifullah Mumtaz and Muhammad Zaim

“Being an expat since 22 years, this time I am celebrating Eid in Pakistan with my parents. Since Eid is a great gift from Allah The Almighty after the Holy Month of fasting, I continue the significance of Ramadan in its true spirit by remembering my near and dear ones. Me and my parents prepare a big feast and invite our brothers and sisters home. I take my father to the cemetery to read Fatiha (prayers) at our grandparents’ grave,” remarks Muhammad Zaim.

“As a Pakistani expat, it is pleasant to see the spirit and grandeur of Eid Al Fitr in the United Arab Emirates. A large number of Pakistanis live here and it is always heartwarming to meet them and connect with them on occasions like Eid as you don’t get to meet a lot of people on a regular basis. I do miss my family as nothing matches the celebrations done with our immediate family members.

“I take this opportunity to share Eid greetings with anyone and everyone reading this,” says Hafiz Mubashar Rehman.

Hafiz Mubashar Rehman (left) Muhammad Faraz and Unsa Amjad

Muhammad Faraz says, “As an expat in Dubai, I start my day waking up early in the morning and wear new clothes for Eid Al Mubarak.

“I then offer Eid prayers and meet friends that are like family to me. I then visit Dubai Mall or other shopping centres to enjoy the festive atmosphere and see the decorations.

“We go to a park with my friends and enjoy traditional Eid foods like biryani, kebab, and sweets and also watch the fireworks show at the Dubai Festival City Mall or other locations around the city.

“And the day ends with a delicious dinner with my loved ones.”

“As an expat in the UAE for over 25 years now, Eid is spent here itself in Dubai, which is home away from home. After performing Eid prayers in the mosque, we meet our friends and their families, host them over and at times end up going to the northern emirates for a staycation,” remarks another resident, Unsa Amjad.