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UAE residents get creative with video Iftars, Ramadan trees

At home, Dubai resident Farah Khorshid has set up a 'Ramadan tree' - shaped like a crescent and decorated with little Ramadan lanterns.

Where Farah Khorshid comes from, Ramadan is a "very festive, social month". The Egyptian expat reminisced how the holy month involves large social gatherings, where they're either invited to others' homes or they invite people home.
"We've never really had to have Iftar on our own. That's the thing we're going to miss the most this year - being with other people," she said.
Thanks to the new regulations rolled out by the authorities allowing small gatherings, the family had their first Iftar at a friend's home. "We ate in the garden and followed safe social distancing. It was so good to see other people after more than 40 days," she said.
It won't be a regular practice though, as Farah is concerned about going out too often. "Maybe once a week with very close friends who are also self-isolating," she said.
At home, the mum of two has set up a 'Ramadan tree' - shaped like a crescent and decorated with little Ramadan lanterns. "The lanterns are very typical of our celebrations in Egypt," said Farah.
Another expat, Shaikh Humaid's Ramadan usually involved observing Iftar either with friends or at the mosque. As he can't do that this year with the restrictions in place, Shaikh is supporting the local community instead. "Ramadan is all about helping one another as a community," he said. "With restaurants taking a major hit, I feel it is a great time to step up and support them through local initiatives like #YallahLetsOrder."
The 25-year-old opened his first fast by ordering his all-time favourite snacks from a neighbourhood restaurant. "Chicken samosas and fruit chaat! I also ordered a bowl of Harees - the taste was exactly what we'd have back home. It looks like this Ramadan, ordering in is the new 'going out' for me."
The Ramadan tradition has also been tweaked for UK expat Seyd Abdullah, who usually observes the holy month with his family. This year, he is on his own as his wife and kids are away in the UK. Still, there is so much to be thankful for, he said. "We're fortunate to have so much and be safe."
Despite the recent relaxing of rules, Seyd said he would not be visiting anyone, in order to maintain safe social distancing practices. The British expat spends his time in contemplation and reflection, watching his kids end their fast through videos. "It's definitely a different way to celebrate," he said. "We'll be valuing community and togetherness a lot more this year."
karen@khaleejtimes.com