For these Muslims in the UAE, Eid is business as usual

Dubai: Eid al-Fitr is a day of celebration for Muslims. All over the world, families spend time celebrating and connecting with loved ones and close friends.

For some professionals, however, it’s business as usual. Their commitment to duty and work is unwavering and they continue to serve with a smile.

Filipino beautician Jhoan Aviguetero at Lux Ladies Salon does what she loves most during Eid – grooming others. Jhoan is a committed Muslim who observes Ramadan at work. Come Eid, she says she knows no better place than the workplace. “I love making people look good with makeup, hair and treatments. Eid is always a super busy time in the salon. I have been working the last day of Ramadan and will continue to work through Eid as we have a lot of clients Come here for treatment at this time.”

Jhoan says women come to the salon to apply henna flowers on their hands and finish their hairstyle. “They come here for a makeover and we come here to give them what they want. When I see my customers leave so beautifully, it’s the best Eid gift for me.”

Ambulance driver Ataullah Khan Gulsher Khan, who works at Zulekha Hospital, is another Muslim on duty during Eid. “I have been working in Zulekha Hospital for 29 years and it is my second home. It is not easy to be away from my family during Eid. I am happy to be at work today because I have nothing else to do. Allah has given me It is a privilege to serve my colleagues and patients at Zulekha Hospital. Any patient-related emergencies require my presence, so I am happy to serve and do my job to the best of my ability on this special day.”

Egyptian male nurse Mohammad Hamdi is also spending his first Eid in Dubai, working with patients in the Emergency Room (ER) of Dubai Prime Hospital. During Ramadan, Hamdi works eight to 12 hour shifts. He is now spending Eid with his patients in the emergency room.

Hamdi, 30, who moved to Dubai from the Egyptian town of Ismailia in February, will be on duty for the first two days of Eid.

“In the emergency room, it’s about saving precious lives and all days are the same, whether it’s a festival or otherwise. This year, I’m away from my wife and children. I’m living alone in the UAE. Therefore, I’ll be in Spending Eid weekend with patients who need me,” Hamdi said. “For those in the medical profession, the hospital is like an extended home, and we always want to bring compassion and comfort to patients who are like family.”

Hamdi said: “Back home, the whole community came together to celebrate Eid. The women in the community worked hard to prepare sumptuous dishes. Eid was full of love, laughter and kindness. I will miss that. But I think My dedication to my work and to serving patients has brought greater satisfaction.”

Another nursing nurse, Mohamad TH Hussein, who works at the NMC Royal Hospital in Sharjah, said: “Healthcare is a profession and the commitment to alleviate the suffering of patients is the most important duty. After a month of fasting and nursing, Eid al-Fitr is a special occasion. A day to celebrate and it gives me great satisfaction to bring someone back to health. I miss working on Eid when most of my family is on holiday, but they are so proud of me and the work I do.”

Dr. Osman El Labban, a Lebanese expatriate doctor and family medicine consultant at the Saudi German Hospital in Dubai, agrees. The long-time Lebanese expatriate in the UAE was on duty for 12 to 14 hours over two consecutive days during the Eid holiday.

He works on the second and third days of Eid, caring for his patients.

“Eid al-Fitr is one of the biggest holidays, but nothing is more important than responsibility. I look forward to serving my patients,” said Dr El Labban, who is originally from Beirut but has lived in the UAE for 28 years.

The father-of-three said: “The UAE has been my home for almost three decades. I feel like it’s not my second home, it’s my first. I’m happy to be here even during Eid It’s here for the sick.”

Mirza Muktar, restaurant director at Food Circles, was also working on the second and third days of Eid.

“In catering, you can feed a lot of people. I’m excited to do this for the community during Eid.”