Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Expatriates from around the world are observing Ramadan 2025 in the UAE, finding solace and connection in its rich multicultural fabric, united by the religious principles of fasting, prayer and charity.
Speaking with Aletihad, Sara Al Mansour, a 35-year-old mother and homemaker from Egypt shared how her family often observes the Holy Month.
"Ramadan is filled with family gatherings back home. The streets of Egypt come alive with the sounds of people preparing for iftar and the family's children being children," she said.
"Here in the UAE, we have fewer family, but the diversity of the cultures around us, the group iftars and community festivals are all unique experiences we cherish."
Her husband Ahmed Al Mansour, 40, a senior manager at a tech firm, echoed her sentiments.
"In the UAE, we get to celebrate Ramadan with a diverse community, with Muslims from so many different nationalities. It's beautiful," he told Aletihad.
This Ramadan marks a special milestone for their youngest daughter, 11-year-old Noor, who is determined to fast the entire month for the first time.
Noor, who has practised what's known as "bird fasting" - fasting for a few hours each day to gradually build endurance - is excited but nervous about taking on a full month of fasting.
"I'm excited to be like everyone else in my family and fast the whole day. My best friend at school is fasting too," she told Aletihad. "It's not easy but I will do my best," Noor admitted with a shy smile.
Her parents maintain that it's important to gradually introduce children to Ramadan's practices, without pressuring them to ensure that the experiences they associate with the Holy Month are positive.
The Qureshi family from Pakistan, another Muslim family living in the UAE, is celebrating Ramadan with a focus on family unity and charity.
"In Pakistan, Ramadan has always been a time for family and reflection," Amina Qureshi, 40, a mother of three and a school teacher, told Aletihad.
"Here in the UAE, we continue our traditions, but it's wonderful to see how the whole country, regardless of nationality, comes together during this time," she noted.
Her husband Imran Qureshi, 42, agrees. "Ramadan in the UAE feels special because of the sense of unity among people from all over the world. There's a shared spirit of fasting and generosity."
For the Qureshis, the spirit of giving is what makes Ramadan truly meaningful.
"We try to teach our children the importance of sharing what we have with those less fortunate, by ensuring each one takes part in at least one charity or volunteering initiative," Amina said.
For Adam Carter, a 29-year-old American Christian who has been living in the UAE since last September, it is an opportunity to deepen his understanding of Ramadan with the local culture and community.
A marketing professional who moved to Dubai for work, Carter plans on fasting for the first time this year, inspired by the health benefits he's read about and a desire to better understand his Muslim neighbours.
"I've always admired the discipline of fasting during Ramadan," Carter told Aletihad. "It's a way of detoxing both physically and spiritually.
"I want to experience it not just for health benefits, but as a way to be a part of the community here and show respect for the culture."
