Ramadan in UAE: Non-Muslim expat skips meals, movies

Abu Dhabi - Skipping meals is a challenge for the Filipina, especially as she takes the public transport every day to go to work.

Jennie Liz Li, a non-Muslim Filipina expat in Dubai, has been fasting every Ramadan over the past four years. The first few days are always difficult, she said, and she would usually struggle with headaches, fatigue and dizziness. But Jennie has never budged. She does it out of respect for people around her.

“It started because of my cousin, who had embraced Islam a long time ago. Some four years back, we spent a few days together during Ramadan. I liked her ritual of fasting. She also encouraged me. And in my office, most of my colleagues are Muslims. Out of respect for them, I fast,” said the senior sales coordinator at Hotpack Packaging.

Skipping meals is a challenge especially as she takes the public transport every day to go to work.

“It has been very difficult, especially in summer. I need to travel from my flat in Al Karama to our office in DIP. Usually, it takes two hours of travelling through Metro to Ibn Battuta and from there we have a company pick-up facility,” Jennie said.

On a normal day, she would take a gulp of water as soon as she reaches her office. During Ramadan, however, she would even hide her tumbler so she won’t feel the urge to drink.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com