Expatriates celebrate Eid Al Adha away from loved ones

The heart of Syrian teacher who built new life in the UAE aches for his family.

Somar Nemer built a life in the UAE but feels the distance from his family, especially at celebrations such as Eid. Satish Kumar / The National

AJMAN // Eid Al Adha is a bittersweet time of year for Somar Nemer. The Syrian fled the war in his home country to start a new life in the UAE two-and-a-half years ago, during which time the Arabic teacher has worked hard to earn a living, building a bright career and a network of friends.

Despite leading a comfortable life in his adopted country, the 24-year-old cannot help but miss the family he was forced to leave behind.

Despite homesickness growing worse during holiday season, he found peace in prayers and appreciation for his new home.

“My family is my motherland, so if neither the country nor the family are present it is a painful feeling, that is why the joys of Eid are not available in my life since I have left both of them,” said Mr Nemer.

Eid Al Adha was a special time in the Nemer household before the outbreak of civil war in Syria, he said.

“My father used to wake me up to go with him to Eid prayers. We would greet each other in the mosque because we are all from one village, and then we go to visit our dead relatives in the graveyard, which is necessary after prayers.

“After that, we visit our relatives and uncles and then gather at one home,” he added. “This is Eid – I miss all that.”

Mr Nemer will enjoy the time away from the classroom with friends at a cafe or mall, but only after first speaking to his family by phone.

His feelings of homesickness were shared by his compatriot Nuha Kadi, who sought solace in Eid prayers at her local mosque.

“My feeling in Eid is painful, and this is the second time I celebrate Eid without my family. There as in each time a heartbreak. My body is here but my heart and mind are with my family,” the 33-year-old said.

Going to the mosque helped Ms Kadi relive the holiday atmosphere she enjoyed back home in Syria, with worshippers gathering, praying, wearing new clothes and greeting each other.

Although her family is not with her, she still treats the children in her neighbourhood to Eidi, the tradition of giving sweets and gifts.

“On the first day, I go to a mall or walk the streets to see how families gather together and celebrate, or I visit my neighbours and give their children Eidi and sweets and then take the kids to a toy shop to buy them gifts in order to make up for what I miss,” the Arabic teacher said.

For Egyptian Hany Abou El Dahab, experiencing how the religious holiday is celebrated in another country is part of what expatriate life is all about.

“I go to Eid prayer with my friends and then hang out together at night,” said the teacher and graphic designer. “But the taste of the holiday in my home country is different whereas all family and cousins gather and celebrate together the joys of the Eid,” the 30-year-old said.

“At our gatherings we are extremely happy, but here I will be alone without my daughter and wife.”