From Ka'ek to Sheer Khorma: How UAE Expats Keep Eid Traditions Alive
As Eid Al Adha wrapped up, UAE’s diverse expatriate community celebrated the festival with an emotional blend of tradition, unity, and cultural pride. While the festive spirit resonates globally, for many expats in the UAE, Eid offers a powerful opportunity to keep their homeland traditions alive — whether through beloved family recipes, acts of charity, or communal prayers.
For Dubai-based Indian expat Sabiha A, Eid is a time of warmth, connection, and vibrant chaos. “Everyone is united in the feeling of trying to find home,” she shared. “Strangers become friends, and friends become family; we pray, cook food for each other, eat, and travel — and most of all, we celebrate Eid together.”
Sabiha described the morning routine as "chaotic fun" — the rush of fajr prayers, followed by a frenzy of showers, ironing clothes, and matching jewellery with traditional outfits. It’s a rhythm of celebration familiar to many expat households across the UAE.
Traditional Foods and Feasts
From ka'ek and ma'amoul to sheer khorma and biryani, traditional dishes serve as the heart of Eid gatherings. UAE kitchens came alive with the aroma of spices and slow-cooked meats, as families prepared time-honoured recipes handed down across generations.
For many South Asians and Middle Easterners in the UAE, sheer khorma — a rich milk-based dessert with vermicelli and dates — remains a symbolic centerpiece. Others, like the Levantine expat community, turned to ka'ek (semolina cookies) filled with dates or nuts, often baked in large batches and shared with neighbours and coworkers.
Giving Back
Many expatriates also embraced the spirit of sacrifice and generosity, hallmarks of Eid Al Adha. For some, this meant distributing meat to those in need, either directly or through registered charities in the UAE. Others hosted large meals at home and extended open invitations to friends, neighbours, and co-workers — both Muslim and non-Muslim — to share in the celebration.
A Sense of Belonging in a New Home
Despite being far from their countries of origin, expats in the UAE often find a deep sense of community during Eid. In multicultural cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, public spaces transform into venues for inclusive celebration, with mosques filled at dawn, and families heading to beaches, parks, or malls for festive outings.
The UAE’s support for diverse religious and cultural practices has enabled many residents to express their identities freely. “We might not be home,” said Sabiha, “but in the UAE, we’ve created a version of home filled with new bonds and memories.”
