‘I can feel the spirit of Eid in the air’
Young Filipina Muslim worker in UAE excitedly anticipates festival of sacrifice
ABU DHABI, the UAE (MNTV) – As the United Arab Emirates declared Friday, June 6, as the first day of Eid Al Adha, a sense of excitement swept across the Muslim community for what many describe as a deeply personal and fulfilling celebration.
Though far from home, Filipina Muslim Aniza Saidil Daimon, 26, is filled with enthusiasm as she prepares to celebrate Eid Al Adha in a Muslim country for the very first time, surrounded by the rich Islamic traditions of the Emirates.
For Daimon, celebrating Eid Al Adha this year is not just a holiday experience, but also the realization of a lifelong dream.
“I’m honestly so excited. There’s this new kind of energy building up in me, knowing I’ll finally experience Eid in a country that truly lives and breathes it. I’ve always imagined what it’s like to see the streets filled with the spirit of Eid, the prayers, the lights, the togetherness and now I’m here,” Daimon told GMA Integrated News.
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Islamic holidays, the other being Eid Al Fitr. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah.
Since arriving in the UAE on March 11, 2025, Daimon has embraced a life filled with hope, faith, and discovery.
Based in Fujairah Emirate, about a three-hour ride from the capital city of Abu Dhabi, Daimon works as a classroom assistant.
“What brought me to the UAE was a mix of hope, faith, and the desire to grow. Both personally and spiritually. I’ve always dreamed of living in a place where I could freely practice my faith and be surrounded by people who understand it. Now that I’m here, it still feels surreal,” she said.
Daimon said Eid Al Adha is more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of trust and surrender to Allah. Preparing spiritually for Eid in a new country, she’s been focusing on her prayers and intentions, reflecting on her faith and working harder to be better not just during the Eid but throughout her daily life.
Although she misses her family back home, Daimon said that she is excited to experience the joy of celebrating the Eid with his relatives and friends in Abu Dhabi.
Aside from attending the communal prayers, she looks forward to the Qurbani, animal sacrifice performed by Muslims during Eid Al Adha.
“The Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, is also very powerful. It’s a reminder that sacrifice isn’t just about giving up something but also about sharing and caring for others, especially those in need. It teaches me to be more generous and thankful for what I have” Daimon said.
Reflecting on the contrast between her past celebrations and what she will be experiencing now, Daimon said she feels at home despite living in a foreign land. “In the Philippines, it’s simpler, more intimate. But here, you can feel the spirit of Eid in the air—in the mosques, the streets, and even in strangers’ smiles. It’s beautiful in a different way,” she said.
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