Ramadan: Breaking the fast in the desert every year

Dubai: Every Ramadan, this is an ancient custom in the deserts of the United Arab Emirates. Hundreds of off-road riders from several Emirati clubs gathered in the desert for a huge Eid al-Fitr.

This picturesque spot is affectionately known as the Iftar Bowl by a group of desert safari enthusiasts who make sure the annual Ramadan party takes place.

Also on the agenda, of course, is a desert warrior cleanup to make sure it’s their duty to keep their “playground” free of trash and litter.

One of the active participants is Japanese expat Azusa Shiraki, who is an avid off-road rider.

Shiraki, affectionately known as “Zeus” by colleagues and friends, said the iftar bowl had become an annual gathering event to celebrate Ramadan in the desert.

“It was a big Eid because we saw hundreds of SUVs coming together to celebrate. We ate together and also drove around to clean up to keep the place clean.

“I’m always amazed by the amount of vehicles coming and going. People congregate in the desert and share their meals with others. Many break their iftar on the desert. It’s a very special event indeed.”

Over the years, iftar bowls have become a social enterprise, with friends breaking their fast together in the desert, she said.

“Personally, I am very much looking forward to the Iftar Bowl for a grand Iftar and meeting friends old and new. It is an event that brings the off-road community together and allows us to enjoy the beauty of the desert and the spirit of Ramadan.”

Muhammed Sarwar, another Desert Warrior and founding member of Arabian Buggy, recalls how the annual Eid al-Fitr event began in 1991.

“A group of us off roaders wanted to break our fast in the desert and we stumbled across this huge bowl. It was a huge place and we could stand around the bowl and see the whole surrounding desert dunes. It was such a beautiful place, We decided to keep it as an annual Ramadan gathering,” said the Indian expatriate.

He added: “The next year we came to the same place and called it the Iftar Bowl. Today it is the most popular place to celebrate in the desert. This year we have more than 300 cars parked in the desert to break the fast.”

Sarwar said a group of leaders briefed their companions on the terrain on which they were going to the Iftar Bowl. “Participants are also told to be disciplined and not to disturb neighboring communities. Usually, we leave nothing behind iftar except our footprints. Every year we sweep the desert after iftar. This is our way of giving back to the desert, it So much has been given to us and what better time to show it than in Ramadan.”

Laila Estrella Taha, a Filipino, said: “I’ve been taking part in the Iftar Bowl since 2014. It’s something I look forward to every Ramadan. We gather around three in the afternoon to catch the beautiful high sand dunes. We break our fast in the desert .It was a wonderful experience.”

“Initially I started going there with very little family and friends. Now it’s a big thing,” she said.

“Eid is a religious ceremony, often done as a community, with cross-country fraternities and families bringing home cooked dishes to share and bond with. We sit at the bottom of the iftar bowl and break our fast at sunset. As soon as we finish eating It’s going to clean up. It’s nice to see everyone preserving the beauty of the desert by not hanging around and collecting trash.”

Off-roaders also take care not to waste food.

“Ramadan is a holy month where we care for each other. It is a month where we share and care for each other. No food is wasted at our Iftar Bowls. Everyone only brings enough food to share with friends or family.”

Taha said everyone prayed on the desert after the meal. “We also prepare tea for all the karak lovers including me. Duties and responsibilities are given to all the participants. As the temperature drops, we prepare to spend the night and head to Suhoor camp. We wake up the next day, early in the morning drive home.”