As missiles and drones dominate the skies, Gulf residents brace for an Eid unlike any other on Friday, secretly yearning for news of peace amid the gloom of war.
The conflict, sparked by Israel and US strikes on Iran on February 28, followed by assassinations, bombings, and revenge attacks, has shrouded Ramadan across the region. With the Strait of Hormuz stalled, global energy security hangs in balance—ripples already hitting India and South Asia via disrupted Qatar LNG supplies and soaring cooking gas prices.
Families hunker down at home, schools shift online, and sirens punctuate daily life. Yet some venture out to malls for last-minute Eid shopping, defying fear to cling to normalcy.
"It’s the long-term impact that everyone is worried about. They know they are not the primary targets of these attacks, but it’s the ecosystem that would need some confidence going forward," shared an anonymous Abu Dhabi-based Indian engineer.
In Jeddah, an Indian healthcare worker noted the community's resilience: "They are aware that this is a passing phase and that they have too high stakes to just desert the region." Still, some with work-from-home flexibility have flown home, prompting Air India and Air India Express to add flights to UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, while maintaining Jeddah and Muscat services.
Gulf nations prioritize safety: UAE mosques will host indoor Eid prayers only, per the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE), to protect worshippers. Qatar follows suit with indoor mosque gatherings.
Rulers exchange greetings as officials secure airspace and ensure smooth celebrations. Women flock to shopping complexes undeterred.
This Eid, unprepared for and overshadowed by war, could become the most memorable if a ceasefire dawns—transforming greetings and feasts into triumph.
(Inputs from AP)