Iftar is the busiest time for this valet driver in Dubai

They are the first to greet us whenever we go for Iftar by car to any hotel in Dubai. Valet drivers, many of whom fast, never fail to greet us with a smile. Bangladeshi expat Mamunur Rashid, 30, is part of the concierge team at Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai.
During Ramadan, the busiest time for Mamunur and his team starts at 6.30pm. "This is the time when guests arrive in droves for Iftar," he said. "We normally have 40 to 50 cars during Ramadan, including the in-house and Iftar guests. Since not all the guests are fasting, some of them arrive after the time for ending the fast."
Despite being hungry and thirsty before sunset, keeping the guests happy and satisfied are the "topmost concerns" for Mamunur. "I do not find it hard to work during those times. Honestly, it is more challenging when guests insist to park the car themselves because we have limited parking slots in front of the hotel and we would rather valet-park the cars in the designated parking area.
"During extremely busy times, we ask for help from other staff from the front office. We have a great team effort here, so it is not that difficult," he added.
Mamunur has devised a way to end his fast on the job. "I keep three dates in my pocket and drink water when it's time to end the fast.
"At 8pm, the work is more manageable, so I can finally take a break and eat my Iftar meal and offer my Maghrib prayer," he said.
"I normally eat Iftar with my friends and colleagues at the staff cafeteria. I prefer healthy food. I eat fruits including watermelon, orange and apple. I also eat salad and other vegetable dishes like dal. I do not overeat during Iftar because it is not healthy, even though you didn't eat for the entire day," he added.
More importantly for Mamunur, Ramadan means happiness and being a good person. "I always try to practise all the good deeds and to become a better person. In Ramadan, people tend to be nicer to everyone and more helpful. But my hope and prayer is that people should not only be nice during Ramadan."
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• Ramadan 2021