Expatriates gear up for Eid Al Adha celebrations

The UAE is known for its diversity. People from all across the world belonging to different beliefs live here in peace and love. They are free to celebrate their religious and traditional festivals all across the Emirates, thanks to the visionary leadership of the country.

As the Eid Al Adha is around the corner, the UAE residents are gearing up for Eid preparations and purchasing of the sacrificial animals.

Eid Al Adha, also known as “Feast of the Sacrifice” is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year (the other being Eid Al Fitr). Muslims across the world celebrate the Eid Al Adha to honour willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.

But, before Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) could sacrifice his son Prophet Ismael (PBUH), the Almighty provided a lamb to sacrifice instead.

In commemoration of this intervention, an animal is sacrificed and divided into three parts. One share is given to the poor and needy, another is kept for home, and the third is given to relatives.

Gulf Today spoke to the expatriates to know their preparations of the gala festival.

Muhammad Bashir, a Pakistani national residing in Sharjah said: “I am celebrating Eid Al Adha in the UAE for the last 10 years. The UAE is my second home. This time I have a plan to buy a sheep for sacrifice but will go to the cattle market just a day or two before the Eid. I have invited my friends for a dinner party at my residence.”

Mehwish, a Dubai-based Indian designer said: “Eid Al Adha is a festival that brings everyone together and provides a chance to get some time out of the busy life to connect with near and dear ones. I am ready to show my cooking skills on the Eid day and will prepare delicious dishes for my family and friends.”

Muhammad Kalam, a Bangladeshi national, working in Sharjah said: “Eid is a day that can’t be wasted just sitting idle at home. The preparations start a week before the Eid and I along with my sisters plan activities for the big day. We eagerly wait for the moment when our father brings the meat home from the slaughter house.”

Recently, Dubai Land Department (DLD) announced it is to help release 22 prisoners serving sentences in rental cases in Dubai, and ensure they are home for the Eid Al Adha holiday, according to WAM.

A new initiative under the slogan “Eid in Your Home,” in cooperation with the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC), was announced by Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, Director-General of the DLD; Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation; and Judge Abdul Qader Musa, RDC Chairman.

A young Emirati businessman, Abdullah Ahmed Al Ansari, donated a substantial amount to cover a large proportion of claims that were issued by the RDC against the prisoners, who are of different nationalities.

Bin Mejren said, “This generous initiative is considered the first of its kind in Dubai and is increasingly important for its total compatibility with the pillars of the Year of Tolerance, as declared by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the aim to highlight the UAE as a global capital for tolerance.

“DLD will cooperate with Dubai Police to complete the release procedures of the prisoners after the payments have been settled,” he added.

Judge Abdul Qader Musa said the Rental Disputes Committee is welcoming donations from benefactors to relieve those held in difficult financial conditions and a dedicated team will “study all cases and set priorities to ensure the aid reaches its beneficiaries.”

“This charitable move will bring happiness to the hearts of these prisoners and their families, granting them a second chance to work hard and serve their families and the UAE with dedication,” added Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation.

Emirati businessman Al Ansari said that his donation is an expression of the spirit of humanity that characterises Dubai and its citizens. He said he believes prisoners of rent-related cases are not criminals but are ordinary people that suffer circumstances that led to this difficult situation.