The UAE is home to many expats and Eid Al Fitr is an occasion they observe rather emotionally. Herein lies bottomless joy and an underlying hint of homesickness. Eid embodies togetherness, and celebrating this from afar, especially around loved ones, often evokes a deep sense of happiness paired with longing. It served this year for three UAE residents who Najir Husain won along with others who together devised a plan to create an extraordinary celebration during Eid Al Fitr festive period turned into reunion joy thanks to an unusual giveaway — complimentary tickets back to UAE.
Having lived in the UAE for several years now, Najir had made peace with spending yet another Eid Al Fitr away from family. After repeatedly doing so for the past 6 years, one begins to accept reality. Mornings spent with friends and colleagues, while looking forward to the day, always had a tinge of a nostalgic hollow feeling towards the home. This time, destiny was kinder than usual.
The dread for most overseas families is the expensive plane tickets, which makes them impossible to afford. Such concerns don’t apply to Najir to celebrate with his family. In a surprising turn of events, he won an extraordinary prize that promised to alleviate this burden: complimentary plane tickets. Now he could spend Eid Al Fitr celebrations with friends and family. After the announcement, it sent him exultant relief only dreamed of for years.
My family and I were already used to not spending time together in the holiday season every year, but once I got the call it was very hard to contain my excitement,” Najir shared. “A return ticket was the last thing I ever thought I would win — truly, it’s a gift. Nothing would have pleased me more than this surprise on Eid.”
Similar to Najir, many expats face such bittersweet holidaze for contemplation and melancholy. The travel time from the UAE and vice versa can especially seem far during holidays. Nonetheless, for those fortunate enough to receive such an offer, the reason for them to travel back home is more than just physically going back, instead, it’s an opportunity to rekindle emotions within oneself.
From the perspective of an Eid celebrant, Najir embodies the astonishing level of familial love expats show towards their family, and also helps us appreciate the last minute surprises that make life-long wishes fulfill. Unlike typical ordnance, this year the ticket was more than just a mere exit — this year the ticket served as an experiential reminder of reconnection, love, and joy; something incredibly special for Najir and his family to cherish long after Eid.
For people who live far from their families and friends, places like Najir serve as a reminder that the best gifts in life are sometimes surprises. These kinds of gifts take you back to the people you value most, even if you never expected it.