CT Exclusive: Here’s How Indian Expats In Dubai Are Celebrating Eid al-Adha With Family & Friends

Eid al-Adha in Dubai feels a little different for everyone. Some spend the holidays surrounded by huge family gatherings and biryani trays that somehow never empty. Others quietly offer prayers in the morning, call relatives back home and then head out for staycations across the UAE. And for many Indian expats living in Dubai, celebrating Eid al-Adha falls somewhere in between happiness and feeling homesick.

Indian Expats In Dubai Share What Eid al-Adha Feels Like Away From Home

There’s a celebration. But there’s also nostalgia quietly sitting in the background.

For Aslam Rafique, who has lived in Dubai for 35 years, Eid al-Adha still revolves around family traditions that have stayed unchanged despite decades abroad.

“In the days before Eid, we go to the livestock markets with family friends to choose a goat for sacrifice,” he shared. “It’s something we’ve done for years and years.”

For him, the tradition is not really about shopping. It is about the time spent together before the actual celebration begins.

Then comes Eid morning itself that starts with prayers, sacrifice and relatives visiting one another. Food is moving endlessly between homes. Children running around and conversations that stretch for hours.

“These gatherings strengthen family bonds and create memories,” he said.

And honestly, that sentence probably explains Eid better than anything else.

For Many Families, Food Becomes The Main Event

Almost every expat we spoke to eventually circled back to food.

Not in a fancy restaurant-review kind of way. More in an emotional way, families remember Eid through certain dishes and smells.

Imran Hussain described the day as one long cycle of prayers, phone calls, meat distribution and then absolute food madness afterwards.

“We make biryani, big pulao dishes, mandi rice and more, and that becomes a complete feast atmosphere.”

But he also pointed out something important that many people outside the culture sometimes miss. A large part of Eid al-Adha is about sharing.

After Qurbani, families distribute portions of meat to relatives, neighbours and people in need.

“It’s about gathering and celebrating together while also giving to poor people,” he added.

That balance between festivity and charity remains central for many Muslim families in the UAE.

Also Read: Dubai Businessmen Launch Budget-Friendly Airline, Air Kerala For Indian Expats & Beyond

Staycations Are Quietly Becoming The New Eid Tradition

Not everyone is flying home this Eid. In fact, plenty of UAE residents are skipping airports altogether.

Aamir Khan, who has been living in Dubai for 11 years, spent his Eid break in Ras Al Khaimah at Marjan Island.

“To be honest, most people are doing staycations,” he said while preparing to head back home after the trip.

And he has a point.

With hotel deals, long public holidays and packed airports, many residents are choosing road trips inside the UAE instead of international travel.

“Marjan Island was jam-packed,” he laughed. “Why board a flight when you already live in a country with beautiful staycation spots?”

That idea seems to be growing every year. Families are checking into the resort as kids prefer staying in pools all day. Adults enjoy the late-night barbecue setups. Slower Eid plans instead of stressful travel schedules are always best for everyone.

Also Read: Flying Into Dubai This Eid? Expect Faster Clearance At DXB Terminal 3

Some Expats Say Eid In UAE Feels More Peaceful

For Waseem Hamid Sayed, Eid in the UAE feels calmer compared to celebrations back home.

“Here Eid is very silent,” he admitted honestly.

For him, the day starts early with prayers, followed by sheer khurma at home and casual outings later.

“Then we go somewhere for hangouts because attractions usually have offers during Eid,” he said.

This year’s long holiday break has made that even easier. Many residents are using the nine-day break to relax rather than rush through plans.

Missing Home During Eid Is Heavier Than Usual

Mohammed Ashraf Khan, who moved to Dubai in 2021, says Eid in the UAE has its own beauty. The markets, organised events and activities for children make celebrations exciting for families.

But he admits home still feels different.

“Back home, you see goats everywhere in the streets. Children take care of them, feed them and form bonds with them,” he recalled.

And then comes the part many expats quietly relate to.

“The thing we miss most is family and friends,” he said. “The crowded homes, endless tea, relatives showing up unexpectedly.”

Living abroad changes the meaning of celebrating Eid slightly. You still celebrate, but sometimes the weight of memories attached to it makes you emotional and nostalgic. 

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Shreshth Sharma from Studio India

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