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Spending Ramadan alone in Dubai? This expat wants to change that

Dubai - She launched Ramadan Unites community Facebook page to help gather expats for Iftar at least three times a week.

A Dubai resident has launched an initiative to unite expats living alone for Iftar.
Belgian expat Els Huybrechts, 42, said spending the holy month alone can be "the worst feeling".
"I live alone in JVC and I noticed a number of my friends have their Iftars and Suhoors alone, which shouldn't be the case. Ramadan is about gathering with family and friends," said Huybrechts, who has been in Dubai for the past 10 years.
She launched Ramadan Unites community Facebook page to help gather expats for Iftar gatherings at least three times a week. So far, the initiative gathered about 10 people ready to meet for Iftar on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
"People are already approaching and offering to host Iftar and Suhoor gatherings, so the place for gatherings will change accordingly," said Huybrechts.
 She said she hoped the gatherings will also be a platform for people to share Islamic and spiritual motivations and encourage to help one another.
 "We can, may be, encourage each other to go for Taraweeh prayers together or attend lectures at Islamic centres. Such activities are best when done in groups," she added.
 "Ramadan shouldn't be a lonely journey. I want to reach out and try to help Muslim brothers and sisters to share the holy month's spiritual experience."
 Huybrechts noted she hoped to spread the initiative to a bigger community to gather people and help meet new friends. "It's best to create a sense of community that we lack. Ramadan Unites aims to encourage people to help each other on a mental basis, not only through the mere physical presence," said Huybrechts. Those interested could reach out to the Facebook page Ramadan Unites.
 sherouk@khaleejtimes.com