‘People Make Us Part of Their Eid’: Delivery Riders, Taxi and Abra Drivers Celebrate While on Duty in Dubai

While many UAE residents spend Eid Al Adha with their families at home, thousands of essential workers across Dubai continue serving the city throughout the holiday, finding moments of celebration between rides, deliveries, and ferry crossings.

From early morning taxi trips to late-night food deliveries, drivers and riders say the warmth and kindness shown by residents help them feel included in the festive spirit despite being away from their families.

By 6am on Eid morning, taxi drivers are already transporting worshippers to prayer grounds, family gatherings, and celebrations across the emirate. Around 7am, abra operators begin ferrying passengers across Dubai Creek, while delivery riders start receiving Eid orders from restaurants and cafes from approximately 8am onward.

For Abdul Kalam, Eid on duty has become a familiar routine after spending nearly 25 years working in Dubai. He said he has only returned to Bangladesh a handful of times for Eid celebrations during that period.

“The creek feels different on Eid. People are happy, children are excited, and many passengers wish us Eid Mubarak,” he said.

Kalam explained that Eid shifts are generally calmer than regular working days, allowing workers to gather together during breaks.

“We start work after prayers and continue till around noon. Then we all take a break together, cook traditional food, and share Eid lunch before returning to work in the evening,” he added.

He also noted that passengers often share sweets, kind words, and extra tips during the holiday, creating a sense of belonging for workers spending Eid away from home.

Another abra driver, Shahjahan, said working during Eid has become part of life in a city that never stops moving.

“Even on Eid, people need transport to visit relatives and celebrate together,” he said, adding that the atmosphere around Dubai Creek becomes especially lively during the holidays.

Delivery riders also experience a busy start to Eid, particularly with dessert and sweets deliveries. Fahim said most families prepare traditional meals like biryani at home but rely on delivery apps for desserts and sweets.

According to riders, the pace slows later in the evening, giving them an opportunity to celebrate with friends and fellow workers. Many rely on video calls to stay connected with loved ones abroad.

Abdul Malik Khan said riders often celebrate Eid “on the move.”

“During breaks, we video call our families and try to have lunch together while keeping the phone on, as if we are sitting at the same table,” he said.

Khan also recalled a memorable Eid Al Fitr experience while delivering food to a family in Al Nahda.

“They invited us inside their home, ordered another delivery just to keep us there longer, and served us lunch before they even started eating themselves,” he said. “That’s one moment I will never forget.”

Meanwhile, taxi driver Ghulam Rasool said Eid shifts allow drivers to witness the emotional and human side of Dubai.

“From taking families to relatives to dropping worshippers at prayer grounds, we quietly become part of many celebrations,” he said.

Rasool explained that greeting passengers warmly during Eid often leads to meaningful conversations and shared festive moments.

“When passengers smile, offer sweets, or wish us Eid Mubarak, it feels like we are part of their celebration too,” he added.

Despite spending the holiday on duty, many workers say the generosity and appreciation shown by residents help turn long working hours into memorable Eid experiences filled with connection, gratitude, and community spirit.