African expats experience a different Ramadan in UAE

Abu Dhabi: Apollo Kagoro still vividly remembers his first Ramadan in the UAE.

It was a warm day in 2012 and the first day of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi. Kagoro was tired by the time he left work in the evening without food and water, but a loving gesture by his neighbours left him delighted. “When I reached home in the evening, my Pakistani and Indian neighbours greeted me with delicious biriyani. I was confused whether to accept it or politely reject it; but they explained to me about Ramadan and Iftar,” the 30-year old mechanical, electrical and planting (MIP) supervisor from Uganda, told Gulf News.

Coming from a predominantly Christian country, he had never experienced Ramadan before. He didn’t even know non-Muslims were supposed not to eat or drink at the workplace. It was a big challenge initially. “But my neighbours enlightened me about Ramadan traditions and cultures while serving me biriyani and other delicacies. Now, for me, Ramadan is synonymous with giving, love and friendship,” Kagoro said.

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