Ramadan 2022: last-minute Dubai shoppers reflect on why holy month is so special

Families look forward to spending time together during holy month

People stock up for Ramadan at the Lulu hypermarket in Silicon Oasis in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National

Hasmik Petrosyan fills up her basket with all the right ingredients for iftar.

Eric Dury buying muesli, bananas and milk for suhoor.

Shoppers make last-minute purchases for Ramadan.

Naseeba Jefeer's children help her buy the right food for Ramadan.

Hasnaa Nofal with her daughter Janna Osama shopping for Ramadan.

Omar Obeidat fills his trolley.

Bottles of Vimto are a perennial favourite for Ramadan food shoppers.

Bottles of Vimto, boxes of dates, along with fresh fruit and vegetables were among the items most popular with shoppers at a supermarket in Dubai on Friday afternoon.

Scores of people were busy loading up their trolleys at Lulu hypermarket in Dubai Silicon Oasis, to make last-minute purchases before the holy month, which started in the UAE on Saturday.

While many were busy making sure they had all the items on their lists, most were reflecting on spending time with loved ones and the importance of giving during Ramadan when The National visited the shop.

We donate rice and meat to those who aren’t as fortunate as us

Omar Obeidat

Omar Obeidat, 27, had a list from his wife of essential purchases for Ramadan.

“I’m buying meat, cheese, chicken and rice,” he said.

“We always make something sweet too for when we end our fast during Ramadan so I need to buy those ingredients.”

The civil engineer from Jordan said he was buying extra because he and his wife always give food to those in need during Ramadan.

“We donate rice and meat to those who aren’t as fortunate as us,” he said.

“I think that’s a really important part of Ramadan. We have to remember to help others.”

Eric Dury, 73, an actor from the UK, was also stocking up on essentials for Ramadan.

“I am buying a lot of muesli, bananas and canned milk because, when we eat suhoor in the morning during Ramadan, it has to be something really quick,” he said.

“Then for iftar, I stock up on fresh fruit and juices, rice, pasta and rice pudding.”

Mr Dury said Ramadan is a special time because it brings families closer together.

“There is a spiritual side to it as we eat together as a family after fasting during Ramadan,” he said.

“It brings meaning to our lives and it encourages my wife and I to be better people.

“That’s because we have to both set a good example for our daughter and act as role models.”

Hasnaa Nofal and her daughter Janna Osama stock up for Ramadan. Pawan Singh / The National

Homemaker Naseeba Jefeer, 29, was also doing some last-minute shopping.

“Celebrating iftar together as a family is hugely important,” said Ms Jefeer, from India.

“We always tend to eat at home rather than go out.”

Egyptian pharmacist Hasnaa Nofal, 46, was also filling up her trolley with food including traditional Ramadan fare like nuts and dried fruit.

“Ramadan is truly a special time because it brings all of the family together,” said Ms Nofal.

“You make sure you spend that time together that you might not otherwise have throughout the year.

“It is important for many reasons, especially from religious and social viewpoints.”

Hasmik Petrosyan, from Armenia, does not fast herself but her Syrian husband does. Pawan Singh / The National

Shopper Ghada Harhar, 38, was trying to ensure she had the right ingredients. Her three children aged 10, 13 and 16, will also be fasting, along with their parents.

“I have to get something to keep the children happy that is also healthy,” she said.

“I am trying to stock up on fresh juices and vegetables.

“We always make fatteh together as well,” added the Syrian.

Armenian Hasmik Petrosyan, 38, does not fast herself but her Syrian husband does, which was why she was making sure her trolley was full of the right ingredients for Ramadan.

“I prepare all the food so it’s ready for him as soon as it’s time for iftar,” she said.

“I ensure there is always plenty of snacks and meat.”