Dubai students from diverse faiths are coming together during Ramadan, whether sharing Pho or trying fasting for the first time.
Ramadan in the UAE has always been a time when people of different nationalities and religions come together to support those who are fasting. This year, several students in Dubai are taking that support further by organizing iftars for their Muslim friends and even choosing to fast alongside them.
For 14-year-old Lam Huynh, a Vietnamese expat, hosting his first-ever iftar last week was a completely spontaneous decision. “I have always loved having my friends over, but this month when I invited them, they said they couldn’t come because it was Ramadan,” he said. “So, I thought, why not host an iftar party for them instead? That’s how the whole idea came about.”
When it came to planning the menu, Lam didn’t have to think twice. His friends already knew exactly what they wanted. “They unanimously told me they wanted Pho, because they love it when my parents make it the traditional way,” he said.
One of Lam’s guests, Omar Merchant, recalled how Lam had asked if there was anything specific he should serve to break the fast. “I told him how we always start with dates,” Omar said.
The boys gathered at Lam’s house last Friday afternoon. “We played video games for a while and then shot some hoops,” said Lam, an avid basketball player. “By iftar time, we all came together at the table and feasted on the Pho.”
The noodle soup, a staple in Vietnamese homes, is known for its fragrant broth, tender rice noodles, fresh herbs, and choice of protein — making it a perfect fit for the occasion.
“It was such a nice experience having iftar at Lam’s house,” Omar shared. “We played all day, and just as we were getting tired, it was time to eat. I was also surprised by how perfect Pho is for iftar. It was warm, nutritious, and felt really healthy. When I got home, I told my parents we should try ordering it for iftar at our place, too.”
A resident of Dubai for over nine years, Lam said he hopes to try fasting next year as well.
First fast for friends
This Friday, 18-year-old Rohan Nihalani will fast for the first time, alongside several friends. “We’ve all been invited to my friend Hamza’s house for iftar, and we decided we wanted to try fasting with him,” he said. “We want to experience what he and other Muslims experience during the day, and we’re also really looking forward to enjoying the food his mom makes.”
Rohan admitted he was both excited and determined for the experience. “I tried to fast last year, but I wasn’t really committed and ended up breaking it early,” he said. “This time, since we are doing it as a group, I really want to complete it. My friends Saurav, Bigun, Akith, Omee, and Sahil are all fasting, and we are going to wake up for suhoor to do it the proper way.”
Friends for at least seven years, this Ramadan marks a special moment for the group. In July, they will graduate from high school and head off to different universities around the world.
“So this year is really special for us,” Rohan added. “I feel like sharing this iftar together will be a meaningful bonding experience, something we’ll remember before we all go our separate ways.”
