How Expats Can Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Arab World
By: Nadia Reese/Arab America Contributing Writer
Expats (or expatriates) are those who live or work in another country. Some people may even decide to become citizens in that country altogether. The Arab World is one of the most popular sites for ex-pats to reside in. Some expatriates may even decide to stay in that country for the holidays, especially for Thanksgiving. This year (2020) most people may stay indoors for the holidays due to COVID. It can be tough to have the holiday spirit when you don’t know how to celebrate Thanksgiving with your extended family members due to restrictions. And to make it worse, if you’re overseas, you may feel homesick.
We’d like to share all the ways that you can make it through the Thanksgiving holiday this year – especially if you’re an expat in the Arab World while learning about some of the holidays that are similar to Thanksgiving.
Countries With the Most Expats
It is estimated that most expats living in the United Arab Emirates are from India. Though Americans make up the largest expatriate population from a Western country, other countries with large populations of expats include Oman, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait and more.
This Is How Expats Can Combat Loneliness During Thanksgiving
Though Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday in countries such as Saudi Arabia or Egypt, there are ways to get into the holiday spirit. Some expats may have friends who they’ve spent the entire pandemic with. With enough care and proper hygiene, Thanksgiving dinner with a friend can make you feel a little less lonely for the holidays. If you have friends or family members nearby, ask them over or plan a zoom meeting with each other. There may also be other expats to celebrate a Zoom Thanksgiving with that you can meet through social media. Saudi Arabia, for example, has one of the highest percentages of expats, so there may be an opportunity to meet other expats celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday just like you.
Similarities Between Thanksgiving in America and the Arab World
There are many holidays in the United States that are celebrated all over the world. In fact, Thanksgiving is celebrated in Dubai this year on November 28th, which may not fall on the same day as we celebrate it this Thursday, but it’s close.
So let’s just say that the country you live in doesn’t celebrate a holiday near and dear to you on the same day as your American family members are slicing into their turkey – you could totally create your own date for the festivities, or even find other holidays to tag on to near the date.
For example, expatriates can celebrate another holiday similar to Thanksgiving later in the year by learning about Min, a harvest festival usually held in the Spring and celebrated by ancient Egyptians. Similar to Thanksgiving, Min includes a feast, dancing, music, and more all in favor of the god of vegetation and fertility.
Eid-al-Adha is another holiday to celebrate that is popular throughout the Arab World. Eid-al-Adha typically changes its date every year, so be on the lookout for the time and get your new recipe ready to try.
For Expats Who Don’t Feel Like Cooking
Some expats may not feel like cooking, and some may not even feel comfortable cooking for Thanksgiving. Maybe your family members were the chefs and you were the one lucky enough to just do the celebratory eating. So you don’t know you’re way around the kitchen – no problem. Visiting restaurants can be just as festive.
Restaurants such as Blackstone Bistro in Cairo will serve guests Thanksgiving classics. A popular dish from Blackstone Bistro includes the their famous turkey and cheese pumpkin pie. Expats can also find American restaurants throughout many Arab countries such as TGI Friday’s in the UAE.
Even having an untraditional Thanksgiving is a good idea. If you have friends and family from the Arab World, you can definitely add some of your favorite Arab dishes to your Thanksgiving menu.
What Activities Can Expats Do for Thanksgiving?
Just because you are not in America, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. Expats can do activities such as watching the Macy’s Day Parade and the annual NFL football playoffs – all online. Expatriates can even go out and learn about the country that they’re living in. If you’re with family, everyone can learn to cook a dish, whether it’s from back home or the Arab world.
Whatever you decide to do for Thanksgiving, make sure that you’re doing it safely and that you’re enjoying yourself. Furthermore, make the most of the holiday – decorate your home and relax. Happy holidays from Arab America!