Family reunions, time with friends and sumptuous feasting – how UAE residents cherish Eid

Dubai: UAE residents have been enjoying the Eid al-Fitr holiday with family and friends. The first two days of the long weekend are marked by prayers, exchanges of greetings, elaborate gatherings, sumptuous feasts and selected outings.

Mohsin Bhimani, a Dubai-based banker from Canada, said he was spending Eid with his wife Samina, sons Amaar and Irtiza Ahmed and daughter Areej Fatima.

“As we all know, Eid al-Fitr is the festival at the end of Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan. For me, this day is the day we receive the greatest blessings from Allah as we practice devout prayers and self-control during Ramadan. It is also a day to be with friends and family A day to celebrate while visiting each other and sharing happy meals, especially sweets,” Mohsin said.

“For us, Eid celebrations started with early morning prayers. My children and I went to the mosque in new clothes. When we got home, a hearty breakfast was on the table. It was made by my wife and daughter Ready. They’re waiting for us to come back and we all sit down and have breakfast.”

He said the three days of Eid were packed with lunch and dinner invitations. “On the first day, we had several relatives come to our house for dinner. On the second day of Eid, we will have lunch with our colleagues and their families at a restaurant in Dubai. After this, we will have dinner in the evening Visiting some relatives and friends. On the third day, we arranged open house invitations for friends from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah from noon to 4pm, ending the holiday weekend and starting work and school the next day.”

Indian expatriate Dr. Samina Khatib and her husband Suhel welcomed their son and family to their home for Eid. “Eid is a joyful celebration of unity, love and hope. May Allah accept our prayers and fast and that we are now pure and forgiven,” she said.

It was a cherished family reunion, visited by her eldest son Samey, his wife Lynn and daughters Sophia and Ayla. “So did my second son, Safeer, and his wife, Kaya. Eid al-Fitr started the day off to an exciting start. We had brunch together, exchanged gifts, and then spent the evening at Al Qudra Lake. It was A wonderful and relaxing day out with the family. Pure joy.”

Zerina Mukuddem, a South African pediatric occupational therapist and fitness trainer in Dubai, hosted her annual ritual, the Eid al-Fitr breakfast, at her home. This year, she’s openly inviting anyone who wants to come to her residence to spend quality time with her and her family.

She said: “I made Sheerkormo, which is a traditional milk dish from Cape Town, South Africa. And Pakistani halwa, puri with chana, Nihari. I made koeksisters, a spiced South African delicacy. I also made I got my signature french toast. A friend brought kheer, a traditional desi rice pudding.

“Breakfast turned into brunch – and more. Our last guests left around 4.30pm. It was a very fulfilling Eid,” says Zerina. “My house is full of guests.”

Zerina said her husband Hanief, son Zuhayr and daughter Hanaa enjoyed the gathering as 27 adults and 8 children attended her Eid party. “The day went by. Eid atmosphere was high. There were people of different nationalities – Egyptians, British, Pakistanis, Lebanese, Turks, South Africans, it’s a testament to our life in the UAE, we made friends here. Multicultural friend.”

Another expat and career coach, Meghna Khan and husband Mohammad Omar Khan also threw a party at her home, inviting close friends. “Eid al-Fitr is a celebration after a full month of fasting. Now is the time to celebrate the festival with family and friends and eat some traditional food. Being away from home, I love teaching my daughter about the traditions that bind us together “On the first day of Eid, we keep the tradition alive by attending prayers, decorating our homes and throwing parties. We also give Eidi to the kids. “

She said she prepared Yakhni Pulao, Shammi Kabab, Mutton Korma, Dahi Bhalle, Sheer Korma and Kimami Seewiyan.

Elsewhere, expatriate Bushra Ali threw a huge family gathering on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. She and her husband Mohammad, daughters Kanwal, Eman and son Yousuf met extended family and enjoyed Eid.

“After many years, this year the whole family gathered at my sister-in-law’s house in Ajman. My brother-in-law, his wife and son also came from Riyadh to visit us for Eid. My mother-in-law was there too. We had such a wonderful time together time.”

Bushra says sweet Sheer Korma, Haleem, Mutton Pulao, Roast Chicken, Curry Meatballs, Keema and more. “Eidi is very important in our family. The children are looking forward to this holiday. They all sit down and receive gifts from the elders. It is a full day.”