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Crazy like a fool - Kenton, Kenton Cool..

Crazy like a fool - Kenton, Kenton Cool..

Dubai Eye29-05-2025

Dane and Sana speak to the incredible Kenton Cool, who broke his own record with a 19th successful summit of Mount Everest - the most ever by a non-Sherpa. Plus, would you ever threaten an AI tool? Because turns out, that may be the best way to get it to work…

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Far from home, expats in UAE embrace Eid Al-Adha spirit with friends who became family
Far from home, expats in UAE embrace Eid Al-Adha spirit with friends who became family

Al Etihad

time5 days ago

  • Al Etihad

Far from home, expats in UAE embrace Eid Al-Adha spirit with friends who became family

3 June 2025 01:00 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Eid Al-Adha is a time of deep spiritual reflection and joyful gatherings — a celebration rooted in faith, sacrifice, and community. For many expatriates, the occasion can feel 'bittersweet' as being far from loved ones adds a note of longing. Yet, as the UAE becomes a second home and friends turn into family, they learn new ways to embrace the spirit Eid, recreating traditions and making new memories in a place where they find a sense of belonging. Ndeye Marieme Sow, a Senegalese expatriate who lives in Abu Dhabi, has always known Eid as a time for family reunions, 'an occasion to create heartwarming memories with my loved ones'.'Back home in Senegal, all my relatives would come together at my grandparents' house in Tivaouane to celebrate,' Sow added. Having to spend Eid away from home hit her hard at first, she said. "But over time, I've learnt to recreate that joyful atmosphere here in Abu Dhabi with friends who've become like family.'They would plan a feast together and whip it up as a team, she said. 'Cooking together really revives the Eid spirit, especially for us Senegalese — or Africans in general — where food is such a big part of the celebration."They would share meals and laughter and even invite their non-Muslim friends to join the celebrations. In the evening, they would dress up and head out for dinner at a restaurant and just enjoy the moment, Sow added. 'What touches me the most is the warmth I receive from my Emirati friends, who never fail to surprise me with generous and thoughtful Eid gifts. It reminds me that even far from home, I'm surrounded by love,' she said. For Mohammad Khaldoun, a Jordanian engineer based in Dubai, Eid is a time to honour tradition. Though far from home, he continues the rituals he grew up with — those passed down through generations.'Eid Al-Adha, for me, has always been about the early morning prayers with my father and uncles, followed by visiting neighbours with trays of sweets. In Dubai, I try to keep those traditions alive by attending the community prayer at the mosque and then spending the day visiting friends who are also far from home,' Khaldoun said."It's not exactly the same, but we've built our own little circle of warmth and belonging. Every year, I call my parents right after prayer — it's become a ritual in itself.'Amal, an Indian teacher in Abu Dhabi, couldn't help but feel the difference between the celebrations in the UAE and those in her hometown. 'Back home in India, Eid is loud, vibrant, and full of relatives dropping by from all over the city. Here, it's quieter — but also more personal. I prepare traditional dishes like biryani and shemai (traditional dessert), then video-call my family as we eat together virtually.'"It's bittersweet,' she said. 'We're apart, but technology brings us together in small but meaningful ways.' More than anything, it is her community of fellow teacher that keeps her going, she said. 'We exchange food and memories, and somehow, it still feels like Eid.'

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