Like many other expatriates in the UAE, Eid Al Fitr is a joyous occasion that is sometimes bittersweet. It is an occasion that is bitterly celebrated alone, away from the loved ones. This blends the joyous moments into a bittersweet feeling. Nevertheless, three lucky residents had the best Eid celebration in terms of joy and family reunion, this year with the unexpected gift of free return tickets home.
Surprisingly Husain, a Syrian Expat and resident of the UAE for over six years, wanted to spend Eid away from the family, and assumed it would be his new normal. The Eid would always be spent along with friends but would celebrate feel alone without the ache of his loved ones. If only he knew fate was waiting around the corner for the ultimate gift, reunion with the family.
Towards the Eid celebration, Najir was floored by the news that he had won a free return ticket home. That is bound to evoke pure and excited emotions. Because of this unexpected turn of events, this year’s Eid was made for the history books.
“I had come to terms with the fact that I would be away from home again,” Najir explained, grinning. “But when I received the call, I was completely stunned. It felt surreal. This is the best Eid gift I could possibly wish for!”
This marked a reunion for Najir who spent years celebrating Eid in the UAE, as it was everything he had been waiting for. It wasn’t just about receiving the prize, but rather winning it brought the opportunity to reconnect with family, share in the festivities as well as being home.
Unlike other expats, who at some point may be able to relate to the family longing during Eid, Najir’s journey serves as a delightful reminder about how life can pleasantly surprise you. Not only did his win help him get closer to his loved ones, but it also allow him to appreciate the bounty of togetherness in a new light.
Najir’s story is one of hope and joy, showcasing that the most incredible surprises are the ones life gives us unprompted — a notion amplified when these surprises allow for a reconnection with those we cherish most. For those physically separated, his experience serves as a touching insight that no distance is great enough to stop family from bringing you home.
