The Ramadan and Eid holidays afforded ample opportunity to low-salaried employees to supplement their income by working temporary jobs.

Abu Suleiman, a laborer at a construction company, decided to make some extra money by selling dates and mint leaves from the back of his pick-up truck during the month of Ramadan. “I make a good profit every Ramadan which helps to meet my family’s needs during the holy month and for Eid,” he said.

Mustafa Habeeb said that people’s penchant for baleela, or chickpeas, encouraged him to set up a stall at the Corniche. “The holy month of Ramadan and Eid is the peak season for this product and taking advantage of this I earn an extra income for my family,” he said.

The increased consumption of food and clothing during Ramadan and Eid has led to a greater demand for laborers in various sectors generating opportunities for seasonal work. Many shops and restaurant owners hired extra employees to cover for the shortfall and the high consumer demand resulting in a corresponding increase in the number of vendors in public places as well.

Restaurant owner Bassam Abdullah said: “The number of customers doubled from ordinary days on the very first day of Eid so we hired three extra employees on daily wages to handle the increased burden of work.”

Cafe manager Mohammed Ali said he had hired some extra employees in the cleaning section owing to the increased workload in this department. “During the festive occasion, we always need extra help to take care of the hygiene in the cafe,” he told Arab News.

He added that many laborers on holiday from their regular work are eager to take advantage of the Eid vacation to an extra buck. “The jobs will last through next week until the crowds lessen and the numbers return to normal,” Ali said.

Many women also grab the opportunity to make extra money by doing odd jobs. Samah, a housewife, sells homemade sweets in one of the city’s amusement parks. She said: “As Eid is a festival of sweets, many people love to buy them especially if they are homemade. I sell up to four or five trays of traditional kunafah in addition to other kinds of sweets.”

The summer holidays coinciding with Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr this year have raised the demand for workers who are eager to fill positions offered by restaurants and supermarkets to make an extra income.