Dubai: Birthdays, appointments, meetings, all rescheduled for India-Pakistan clash
Indian and Pakistani expats in the UAE are putting their weekend plans on hold as the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the ICC Champions Trophy takes centre stage on Sunday.
From birthdays and family gatherings to business meetings and even doctor's appointments, everything is being rescheduled to make way for the game.
For Sharjah based Pakistani expat Irfan Mohammed, missing the match was never an option. 'We had a team bonding session planned for Sunday afternoon. I was thinking of an excuse when my boss himself postponed it. It turns out he realized no one was coming anyway.'
Even medical appointments aren't spared. A general physician in Karama said multiple patients called to reschedule their check-ups. 'They just say they have 'personal reasons,' but let's be honest, it's because of the match.'
Many personal events are also being moved. Amit Verma, an Indian expat in Bur Dubai, said, 'My daughter's birthday was planned for Sunday, but we moved it to today."
Another Indian expat Nazia Khan faced a similar situation. 'We had a big family reunion lined up, but my brothers refused to come. We've now shifted it to next weekend—because, of course, cricket comes first.'
Indians and Pakistanis together constitute around 55 of the UAE population, with Indians making up about 38% Pakistanis around 16.72%.
While many are rearranging their schedules to watch from home or restaurants, thousands are heading to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, having secured tickets well in advance.
'We booked a block of seats the moment sales opened,' said Rizwan Ahmed, a Pakistani expat attending with his colleagues. 'It's a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere. You just don't miss this.'
Tickets sold out within minutes, and with demand far outstripping supply, resale prices have skyrocketed. Originally priced at Dh500, general admission tickets were listed for as much as Dh3,500 on various platforms. 'A friend of mine got a ticket for Dh800 last month. That same ticket is now going for Dh4,000,' said an Indian expat.
For those unable to get stadium tickets, Dubai's cinemas and restaurants are stepping up to create a stadium-like atmosphere.
VOX and Reel Cinemas screening the match at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Burjuman, with tickets priced from Dh42 to Dh95 per person. Roxy Cimemas also host live screenings at Dubai Hills Mall, The Beach JBR, and City Walk.
Restaurants are pulling out all the stops to recreate the match-day experience.
Raza Iqbal owner of Desi Village Restaurant & Café in Al Garhoud said they have set up massive screens and decked out the venue in team colours. 'We have got a Dh149 minimum spend, and staff will be in team jerseys,' he said.
The cricket fever went up a notch when Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was spotted grabbing a bite at Raju Omlet in Business Bay on Friday, sending fans into a frenzy. 'I was just picking up my breakfast when I saw Rohit walk in,' said an excited fan, Priya Menon. 'Forget food, I just wanted a selfie.'
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