There isn't a better way to end the fast than doing it in the middle of Arabian sand dunes.
Abu Dhabi - In this holy month of Ramadan, residents and tourists are experiencing the bliss of ending the fast together in a multicultural ambience.
Published: Sat 17 Jun 2017, 9:10 PM
Last updated: Sat 17 Jun 2017, 11:19 PM
The UAE is a desert turned into the sundry classy cities. Today hundreds of people explore its natural settings through desert safaris. Crisscrossing sand dunes, camel rides, livestock farm visit, falconry, henna work, Arabic cuisine, quad biking, star gazing are among the attractions that bring people to the desert.
In this holy month of Ramadan, however, residents and tourists are experiencing the bliss of ending the fast together in a multicultural ambience.
And for them, there isn't a better way to end the fast than doing it in the middle of Arabian sand dunes.
Desert Rose Tours and Safari Camp in Al Khatim desert offered one such big moment for different nationalities who came together to understand the Emirati culture in a better way.
Two minutes before the Iftar, a lead man alerted campers to get ready. Soon the air gets filled with call for prayer and all multicultural names join the Iftar.
Such trips serve as an eye opener for many tourists and in true festive spirits, few took fast for the day.
For German tourists Kevin Martyniak, Charlene Winkler and Alik Lippert, when they chose to enjoy Abu Dhabi summer, they also learned about the culture and traditions.
"I had heard about the fasting but it is the first time I got to be part of something like this," Lippert said.
And for Charlene it was a "moving experience." Kevin added: "I can come back for this for sure."
Thomas George, a resident, took a fast for the first time. "I always wanted to fast and this was a special one in desert. I am glad to be part of something like this with so many diverse people at one place."
Jay Ganasan, an Aussie who is working in the Capital, ended his fasting with his cousin Rooban and Gosia, who on their way to Poland stopped by the UAE to catch a slice of the summer here.
"I have ended fasting in hotels with friends and colleagues during Iftar but never in the middle of a desert and that too with family members. This is my first time on a desert safari and has been a great experience knowing more about the Emirati culture," Ganasan, an Abu Dhabi resident, said.
Rooban and Gosia thoroughly enjoyed the safari and traditional meal. "We are glad we did this. We will carry a lot of memories back," they said.
Anita, Chandni and Vanita - the Patel sisters from London, on their first Abu Dhabi visit, didn't want the adventure to end.
"It was a good atmosphere and nice people. I loved being part of fasting," Anita said.
Chandni said: "It is nice to have been together for Iftar as it shows what the meaning of Ramadan is about."
"It was friendly and amazing experience with people from different cultures coming together for iItar," Vanita added.
Desert Rose Tours and Safari director (operations) Anshar NH said he started this service in 2007.
"Close to 80 per cent of our guests are foreign tourists. So, we brief them about the importance of Ramadan and the practise of fasting. Many tourists become interested and are happy to fast," Anshar said.
Desert Rose Tours and Safari camp in Al Khatim is about 80 kilometres from the capital city between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
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