ABU DHABI // Ali Yeslam Al Jessary is spending his 30th Ramadan in Abu Dhabi. The 54-year-old textile shop owner moved to the capital from the south of Yemen in 1985 to work at the family business.
“I remember that first Ramadan was also in summer, but Ramadan was different then,” said the Yemeni, who runs the shop his father originally set up in the old souk in 1977.
“The souk was outdoors, people walked more and used cars less, and the air conditioners were not as strong – during those summers fasting was definitely more difficult on people,” he said.
Despite the less comfortable conditions Mr Al Jessary said some of his fondest Ramadan memories come from his years at the old souk. One of his lasting recollections was seeing the late Sheikh Zayed, Founder of the UAE, driving into the market.
After taraweeh prayers Mr Al Jessary’s eldest son Abdullah noticed Sheikh Zayed near by.
“Abdullah did what you did in those days and raised his hand to greet Sheikh Zayed, telling him ‘Ramadan Kareem’. Sheikh Zayed, Allah bless his soul, greeted us right back,” he said.
A fire gutted the souk in 2003. Mr Al Jessary’s shop, along with most others, was moved to Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre.
Mr Al Jessary said Ramadan was as special in Abu Dhabi today as it was three decades ago.
More than 30 members of his family get together every day during the holy month, rather than the weekly gatherings they have during the rest of the year.
This time of year also brings Mr Al Jessary closer to his extended family in Yemen. “Remembering them is important, especially with the situation they’re in. We have to thank the leaders of the UAE for sending them airplanes and shipments of aid,” he said.
Mr Al Jessary greets his fasting customers with respect. “One of the most important benefits of Ramadan in my line of work is patience, and fasting gives it to you in abundance,” he said.
talsubaihi@thenational.ae
