Iftar on the job in UAE: Behind the camera filming others enjoying the meal

When Indian expat NM Aboobaker was a television journalist, it was almost a given that he would end his fast while at work. But switching over to a newspaper meant that he can be with his family for Iftar - on most occasions.
The Abu Dhabi-based journalist said he has had to open his fast behind the camera several times as he and his crew filmed residents enjoying their Iftar meals. "I could just take a glass of water or eat a few dates to open the fast and then continued working. I had to take the Iftar meal after I finished work.
"But with the newspaper job now, it's a bit different. It is only on a few occasions that I have to break my fast away from home," said Aboobaker. "There aren't many assignments scheduled during the Iftar time."
Currently working with Malayala Manorama as a senior correspondent, Aboobaker spent the past 11 years working with the same group as a visual media journalist. He said journalism is a good job, but involves "sacrifice".
"I love my job but sometimes it involves forgoing some of your obligations. I have missed out on congregation prayers in mosques when I'm busy at work and had to perform them alone after duty hours.
"What I like about my job most is that I have been able to help a lot of the people during difficult times, especially workers, by airing their views and telling their stories. In most cases, these poor men have been helped out by authorities or philanthropists."
Aboobaker, a father of two girls and a boy, said "journalism with a humanitarian bent of mind" keeps him in the profession.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com