Dubai: While many have planned excursions, get-togethers or are simply staying home to enjoy the Eid break, for some it is business as usual.
Dr Deepa Nair, from India, who works as a general practitioner, will be working on Eid for the fourth year in a row, “It’s definitely nothing new for me to be working on Eid, and it’s like any usual day. I don’t feel bad about it or stop and think that other people are enjoying themselves on holiday, it’s not a problem for me.”
In fact, working as a doctor and being needed is something she finds appealing. “Hospitals have to be kept open, you cannot close the hospitals, so of course there should be someone to work and I am happy to work and to take care of the people.”
“We work during Eid and other occasions,” the Lebanese said. “We have to. It’s our duty to serve our customers. People need to be served when they go out to dine. Even though it’s Eid, life needs to go on.”
Hatoum said the management tries its best to lend its moral support to the staff.
“Little parties are organised after the work shift,” he said, “It helps keep our spirits up since we have longer work hours during Eid.”
When asked whether he thinks people appreciate those who are working during the holiday, Hatoum said, “It is up to them if they appreciate it or not. I find some people are a lot more empathetic than others but it doesn’t matter, it is our duty to serve people the best we can.”
“We work to help people, Eid or no Eid,” he said. “We need to be there for them in case they need any medicines. Health does not know occasion. Those working in the health-care sector are used to working while everyone else is off.”
Fat’hi said his family understands why he needs to be on duty and aren’t cross about it.
“There is no solution,” he said. “Some people wish us Eid Mubarak and that always raises our spirits a bit.”
Nepalese street cleaner Mohammad Mukhiya said he is not too upset about working on Eid. “I get paid more for working on the holidays, I get double for working on Eid so it’s not too bad.”
Mukhiya says that he is inspired by his faith to provide service for the people, “As a Muslim I am happy to serve the people. For me I also don’t see this as work, I see it as an act of worship because I am helping serve the people and the city.”
He did state that he does get comfort knowing he is helping people get to where they need to be, “Many people will be out during Eid so taxis will be needed more at this time. This is good for taxi drivers as well because it means more work. I am happy also to help the people.”
