SYRIA: Eid al-Fitr preparations affected by economic crisis

Record ID: 279484

  • Title: SYRIA: Eid al-Fitr preparations affected by economic crisis
  • Date: 18th September 2009
  • Summary: PEOPLE WALKING PAST SHOP
  • Embargoed: 3rd October 2009 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Economic News,Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVA9D79LVAJVYUN6B000SREW7H70
  • Story Text: As Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, approaches, many people in the Syrian capital, Damascus, are worried about their ability to afford to celebrate the occasion.
    The international economic crisis which hit late last year has affected everyone from big companies to the average person on the street.
    According to some analysts, Syria is one of the countries less affected by the global recession than other Middle East countries. However, many say it has been affected - just later than other economies.
    "Syria was affected by up to 25 or 30 percent," said store owner Amir Zakariyya. "In Qatar or Dubai, the effect of the crisis was about 50 to 60 percent. Those countries were affected in the tourist sector. The financial crisis hit Syria four or five months after it reached Dubai. But the situation is still better than many other places," he added.
    During Eid, gifts are frequently exchanged and new clothes bought for children. Store owners in a Damascus market place say holding sales has helped bring in customers.
    President Bashar al-Assad has also granted state employees a 40 percent bonus on their monthly salaries on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.
    "It may be better to have sales so we can sell more," said store owner Muhannad Saoub. "We hope the grant that the President gave will make things better," he added.
    However, many say the sales have not made the situation better because the prices are still higher than they can afford. They have, however, enabled many to buy the necessary items to prepare for Eid which will be celebrated across Muslim countries on either September 20 or 21.
    Nasser Ismail, an engineer who works in the public sector, said: "Although the prices are still high they are better with the sales. I mean we are able to buy some necessary items."
    Hiba al-Khatib, a housewife, said prices for clothes were still unaffordable.
    "There are some sales on with the summer collection but not with the winter collection. But the prices are still high," al-Khatib added.
    The average public employees' monthly salary is 200 U.S. dollars, which many struggle to live on. The government is the country's largest single employer and is involved across sectors from tourism to energy.
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