Non-Muslims across UAE invited to 'Fast for a Day'

Non-Muslims across the UAE are being invited to ‘Fast for a Day’ on July 27 in a bid to bridge the cultural gap between communities living in the country.

The initiative, which has been launched by the Dubai Festival and Retail Establishment (DFRE) as part of the ‘Ramadan in Dubai’ events is encouraging everyone to participate in the community event and understand the significant religious and cultural phenomenon of this pillar of Islam.

Over the next few days, the DFRE will be running a social media campaign to further educate those who have never experienced such a fast, with handy tips, facts and dietary options to help participants prepare themselves for the event.

On the day, all participants will be invited to the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai World Trade Centre on the day, as the DFRE hosts them for a grand iftar on the 19th day of Ramadan.

Purva Ganesh, a personal secretary, who moved to Dubai five years ago, expressed her desire to participate.

She said: “This is the fourth Ramadan I am experiencing in Dubai but I have never had the opportunity to fast alongside my Muslim colleagues or even understood their tryst.

“I think this would be a good learning experience for me, and a spiritual one.”

Karl Mathews, an entertainment freelancer, also lauded the initiative, saying: “I have lived in the UAE for over a decade and I do sometimes feel there needs to be more initiatives organised by authorities to create a better understanding amongst all the communities residing here.

“The country is a melting pot of cultures and with Muslims being the predominant one, I think such moves only encourage greater harmony amongst us all.”

Lin Joyce expressed a bit of fear too, saying: “It’s 15 hours of fasting this year, with scorching temperatures. I am a bit worried to even try; I would probably faint from hydration three hours into the fast.”

If you are keen to participate and unsure where to start, in a parallel drive, the Dubai Health Authority is running its Twitter clinic to educate people of healthy fasting tips.

The authority tweeted: “The ideal fftar consists of one date, plus water, plus one bowl of soup, salad and one type of main dish. If you're still hungry, have more salad or soup.”

It continued: “Ideal snacks between iftar and suhoor are: one fruit, one cup of yoghurt with six almonds, one cup of milk, one slice of brown bread with low fat cheese.”

To participate in the ‘Fast for a Day’ initiative, call on 04 445 5663
 

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