By 6am, taxi drivers will already be on the roads transporting residents to Eid gatherings and prayer grounds. Around 7am, abra drivers begin ferrying passengers across the city, while delivery riders are expected to start their shifts from about 8am.
Soon after Eid Al Adha prayers in the United Arab Emirates tomorrow morning, many residents dressed in new clothes will return home to celebrate with their families over breakfast and festive meals. But for thousands of workers across Dubai, the day will continue on the move.
By 6am, taxi drivers will already be on the roads transporting residents to Eid gatherings, prayer grounds, and family visits. Around 7am, abra drivers will begin ferrying passengers across Dubai Creek, while delivery riders are expected to start work from around 8am as restaurants and cafés begin receiving Eid orders. For many of them, Eid is celebrated between rides, crossings, and brief breaks during their shifts.
Abdul Kalam said he has spent almost every Eid in Dubai over the past 25 years. During that time, he travelled back to Bangladesh only twice for Eid Al Adha and three times for Eid Al Fitr.
“The creek feels different on Eid. People are happy, children are excited, and many passengers greet us with Eid Mubarak,” said Abdul Kalam.
Kalam said Eid duty is often calmer than regular working days, giving abra drivers time to celebrate together.
“We start work after prayers and continue until around 12pm. Then we all take a break together. We cook traditional food, gather in a big group, and share Eid lunch. After some rest, we return to work around 5 or 6 in the evening. That’s how Eid is for us,” he said.
He added that some passengers offer extra tips during Eid, while others stop for small conversations or share sweets.
“Even if we are away from family, when people smile and wish us Eid Mubarak, you still feel the happiness of Eid,” he added.
Shahjahan, another abra driver, said working during Eid has become part of life after years spent on duty during holidays.
“Transport never stops in Dubai. Even on Eid, people need to move around and visit relatives,” he said.
According to Shahjahan, the atmosphere around Dubai Creek becomes especially festive during Eid mornings as residents continue enjoying traditional abra rides. “On Eid, the creek becomes like a festival,” he said.
Delivery riders said Eid mornings and afternoons are usually busy, particularly with dessert and sweets orders.
“I noticed sweets are ordered the most on Eid because most families prepare biryani at home,” said Fahim, who works with a popular delivery app in Dubai. “The dessert part is mostly ordered online during the Eid day.”
He added that work tends to slow down later in the evening, allowing riders to spend time together.
“After evening, it slows down and we get time for ourselves, our friends, and relatives,” he said.
For many riders, Eid celebrations happen during short breaks between deliveries, with video calls playing an important role in staying connected to loved ones back home.
“We celebrate on the move. During breaks, we call our families on video and try to have lunch together while keeping the phone on, as if we are all sitting at the same table,” said Abdul Malik Khan, who works with Keeta.
He said many riders also organise group lunches and dinners during Eid.
“One memory from last Eid Al Fitr still stays with me,” Khan recalled. “I was delivering food to a family in Al Nahda, and they invited me inside their home. When they noticed I felt uncomfortable, they placed another 15-minute delivery request and made us stay.”
“First they served us lunch, and only after we started eating did the family sit down to eat with us. That’s one moment I will never forget in life,” he added.
Ghulam Rasool, a Pakistani driver working with Dubai Taxi Company, said Eid shifts allow drivers to witness the emotional side of the city.
From taking families to relatives and tourists to attractions, to dropping worshippers at Eid prayer grounds, drivers quietly become part of countless celebrations throughout the day.
“You feel happy seeing other families celebrate, even if your own family is far away,” he said.
Rasool added that he often begins conversations by warmly greeting passengers during Eid.
“If I feel the passengers are Muslim, I make sure I greet them with ‘Assalamualaikum’ and ‘Eid Mubarak’,” he said. “From there, conversations begin naturally, and slowly it feels like I am also part of their celebration.”
He said many passengers offer sweets during rides, while some leave larger tips during Eid and even on the Day of Arafah.
“When passengers smile and wish us Eid Mubarak, it feels like we are part of their celebration too,” he added.
