Non-Muslim Students Fast, Host Iftars In Dubai To Support Friends During Ramadan

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

From sharing bowls of Pho to fasting for the very first time, Dubai students of all faiths are finding unity during the holy month of Ramadan through shared experiences

** PUBLISHED:** Wed 25 Feb 2026, 8:12 AM

By:

Nasreen Abdulla

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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 a step further by organising 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 party 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.”

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When it came to planning the menu, Lam didn’t have to wonder what to make. 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.

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One of his guests, Omar Merchant, recalled how Lam had reached out to ask 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 in the afternoon last Friday.“We played video games for a while and then shot some hoops,” said Lam, an avid basketball player.“By iftar time, we all gathered at the table and feasted on the Pho.”

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The noodle soup, a staple in Vietnamese homes, is known for its fragrant broth, tender rice noodles, fresh herbs, and choice of protein - a meal that proved to be 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 that next year he wants to try fasting as well.

First fast for friends

This Friday, 18-year-old Rohan Nihalani will try fasting for the first time, alongside several of his 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 all other Muslims experience during the day, and we’re also really looking forward to enjoying the food his mom makes.”

Rohan admitted he was excited but also determined for the experience.“I tried to fast last year, but I wasn’t really committed and ended up breaking it early,” he said.“But this time, since we’re doing it as a group, I really want to complete it. We’re all going to wake up for suhoor and do it the proper way.”

Friends for at least the last seven years, this Ramadan marks a significant 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.”

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