Expats to mark Eid Al Adha with prayers, simple meals

The nearly three-month regional tension does not deter Southeast Asians from observing Eid Al Adha.

Jetree Mankong, a student at the Al Qasimiya University in Sharjah (Thailand): “A quiet Eid away from home, filled with prayers, simple meals, warm laughter, and friends who have slowly turned loneliness into memories that will always stay close to the heart.”

Wilda Hikma of the airline industry in Dubai: “Prayers and a simple meal shared with fellow Indonesians, and calls home. I do miss my family traditions and moments together in Indonesia. But, I am truly grateful to be able to celebrate peacefully here in Dubai and to pray for peace.”

Munira Ishak, entrepreneur/among the Malaysian Ladies Community leader: “Celebrating Eid means checking in on each other, organising gatherings and ensuring no one feels alone. We hold each other through hardship.”

Irene Lagman, stay-at-home-mom (The Philippines): “It is home for family this year for a safe and simple family time. My husband will be working. My sister had welcomed her first baby. The heat and the current Middle East situation are the other considerations.”

Nuruddeen Chedeng, Khun Chai Thai Restaurant manager: “This year marks my 17th Eid in the UAE. Every year, Thai Muslim friends and the local Muslim community gather warmly to celebrate, share happiness, and strengthen our bond and unity together. I value community friendship and the warm spirit of Eid celebrations.”

Kian Choong Cheah, Malaysian Business Council UAE secretary general: “Celebrating Eid Al Adha in Dubai brings deep gratitude for peace. Amidst regional challenges, our festivities centre on solidarity, prayers for stability and reinforcing community bonds that unite us across borders.”

Jessica Lee, Malaysian Business Council UAE-Executive Committee volunteer/LushbyGesign Business Development regional director/10-year UAE resident: “This would be a perfect time for reflection, appreciation, and gratitude. I will take time off to catch up with some friends and enjoy a nice meal together. I will also book myself a staycation, contributing to the hospitality industry.”

Cecille Cabral Matondo (The Philippines): “My family and I associate every Eid with Europe. It would be different this time because of the uncertainty of the regional conflict and potential travel restrictions which would make happy memories bad instead. The hotel market in Dubai is flooded with exciting offers. I plan to have a leisure stroll at the beach, lounge at the pool, while my kid plays indoors with her cousins. We would close the day with a nice meal by the sunset. It is a different kind of slowing down; something that we have not done in a while because we are residents. This subdued celebration carries a more profound reflection of how we are spending time together. It is a reminder that celebration is not defined by spectacular structure and distance travelled. This year, Eid is not about travelling far. It is about staying closer as a family!”

Arif Wibowo, Indonesia UAE Hotelier Community chairman: “Eid Al Adha this year feels more reflective for many Indonesians throughout the country. Despite the ongoing tensions in the region, we continue to serve with gratitude, prayer and togetherness while staying closely connected with our loved ones back home. The current situation has encouraged stronger community support, with people checking on one another and offering assistance to friends affected by travel disruptions and anxiety. For many Indonesians working in the hospitality industry, Eid also remains a time for service, dedication and resilience. This year’s circumstances have reminded us to value peace, stability, and solidarity ever more deeply.”

Anucha Wansoh, Royal Thai Consulate General-Dubai interpreter: “With the UAE’s advanced security and defence system, I would confidently celebrate the Eid with prayers, visits, charity, and festive meals with family, relatives, and friends.”

Adinda Putri, Human Resources practitioner of a prestigious company in Dubai (Indonesia): “Despite the weight of the current conflict, I will head to the mosque; praying shoulder-to-shoulder with my community, finding strength in unity and holding on to the hope for lasting peace.”