Emirates employees across operational jobs share insights on Ramadan and how they observe the holy month under such demanding roles. Experience a day in the life of cabin crew Safiah Rahman, and engineering staff – Salman Ahmed and Saad Masood – during Ramadan.

Ramadan in the air with Safiah Rahman, Emirates Cabin Crew

For Emirates Cabin Supervisor – Dayang Ku Safiah Rahman (Safiah) – Ramadan is a time of spirituality, piety, and generosity.

“It is a time to get closer to God and truly value my family and friends, as well as a time to give back to those in need” says the Singaporean national.

Safiah has worked at Emirates for 14 years and is currently a Cabin Supervisor. In her role, she is responsible for on-board safety, security and services – ensuring her team are well versed with the safety regulations and that customers receive world class services on-board.

“Fasting, while offering the best inflight experience for our customers, is a very rewarding feeling” she explains. “It tests your patience and strengthens your will power. It also makes you feel with those less fortunate and how they cope without any food or water.”

“One challenge I struggle with is thirst, especially since the air can get very dry in the cabin. I try to hydrate as much as I can by drinking water and I make sure to avoid coffee and tea.”

The get-togethers during the holy month are a favorite for Safiah. “When I’m in my own home, I love to cook and host large gatherings with all my family and friends. It’s one of the very few times during the year we all make sure to meet and celebrate together.”

Her favorite Ramadan meal is the national dish of lontong – a dish made of compressed rice cake in coconut base gravy with turnip, wrapped inside a banana leaf. Her favorite drink is rose syrup and basil seed.

In preparation for scheduled flights, she wakes up for Suhoor and eats bread, eggs, oats and dried fruits to give her the energy needed.

“At times when I to break my fast during a flight” she explains, “I prefer to have a glass of water, followed by milk, and nuts and dates.  Once on the ground, I’ll have a full meal.”

Safiah points out the appealing Ramadan services offered on-board she finds quite special. For the holy month, Emirates launched specially crafted Iftar meals on board with bespoke boxes designed by local homeware specialist, Silsal Design House. The designs are inspired by the Middle East, its people, places and culture.

Looking ahead to Eid – Safiah loves to celebrate in her home country, wearing her traditional Malay clothing, visiting her elders, donating to foundations and roaming around her city to experience the many food bazaars available.

Emirates engineering staff share how they observe Ramadan  

Emirates engineer, Saad Masood and Manager Line Maintenance Shift, Salman Ahmed share what a typical work day is like in Ramadan.

At 3:15 am, Saad Masood wakes up to prepare a small meal for suhoor. As the dawn approaches, he hears the call to prayer and gets ready for salaat il fajr. Saad uses the quiet and serene morning time to reflect on his blessings and gratitude to God.

At 4:30 am, Saad starts to get ready for his 12 hour work shift at Emirates Engineering. At 6:00 am, he clocks into work and his day begins.

Salman follows the same early morning routine. He has suhoor with his family and ensures he prays in a nearby mosque before heading to work at 5:00 am.

“Ramadan is the most spiritual month of the year. It is my favourite time of the year where I can self-reflect, better myself and truly feel closer to God” Saad explains.

Saad is a Pakistani national and has worked with Emirates for almost three years. He is part of the Quarantine Action Desk (QAD) team, within the Component Management Division. In his critical role, he is responsible for the quality evaluation of every installable component of an aircraft – be it the A380 superjumbo or the Boeing 777.