UAE: Expats From War-Torn Countries 'Dream' To Celebrate Eid Al Fitr Back Home

As Eid Al Fitr approaches, a bittersweet longing fills the hearts of expats from conflict-ridden countries living in the UAE. From the celebrations they left behind to the pain of separation from family and familiar traditions, the sense of loss is palpable.

For Assad Ahmed, a young Palestinian expat who has never set foot in Gaza, the feeling is particularly acute.“The feeling is unknown to me. Now, with the truce collapsed , I'm not sure if there's even Eid in Gaza this year.”

On March 18, the world watched in horror as the truce in Gaza collapsed, leading to full-scale attacks by Israel. The toll was devastating: over 400 lives lost and hundreds more injured, with many still trapped beneath rubble. Instead of preparing for Eid, Assad and others like him are glued to their phones, praying for news of loved ones.

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“I've never been to Gaza for Eid,” said the Dubai resident.“Instead of planning which gifts to carry to my family in Gaza, I'm just attached to my phone, hoping to hear they're alive,” he said.

While many have called the UAE 'home' for a long time, unlike other residents, these expats have no choice on where they get to spend Eid. Ghassan Aboud , a 51-year-old Syrian expat, longs for his hometown of Aleppo. After 21 years away, he still dreams of celebrating Eid there.“I'm pretty sure so much has changed, but the spirit is the same,” he recalled.“Eid in Syria was a time of joy - everyone would gather in homes filled with laughter and the aroma of delicious food. My mother would make the best kibbeh and baklava.”

His son, Ahmed, who has never set foot in Syria, listens intently.“I've always dreamed of spending Eid in my hometown,” he said.“we try as much as we can to make it feel like home, with my mom cooking and family and friends gathering.”

With the political scene in Syria remaining in transition since the the Assad regime was overthrown on December 8, 2024, Ahmed remains hopeful that one day he will experience the joy of Eid in a peaceful Aleppo.

While some expats have been away from their countries for years through no choice of their own, others regret not spending Eid specifically in their homelands.“I have been going back to Sudan every year before 2023, but never during Eid,” Yasir, a Sudanese expat, said.“I always go during New Year's time because it's when everyone returns home. But now, I regret not being there for Eid. I wish I had made the effort,” said the Sharjah resident.

He reminisces about the festive atmosphere in Sudan:“After the Eid prayer, we would visit each other's homes, exchanging greetings and enjoying 'Eid iftar.' Every house had its own special dishes, and I miss the sweets my great-aunts would make. The smell of incense, 'bakhoor,' wafting through the streets was simply unforgettable.”

Instead, Yasir remains connected to his home country through news he gets from social media.“The army forces are tightening their grip on Khartoum, and many areas are still in chaos. War is ugly, but I remain hopeful that during Eid Al Adha, I can finally return home.”

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