When facing the difficult decision of whether to repatriate the body of a deceased loved one or bury them in the UAE, many expat families choose to have their family member laid to rest in the Emirates. Mohamed Ahmed, a 28-year-old Sudanese expat, experienced this dilemma when his mother passed away in 2018. Despite his father’s wish to take her body back to Sudan, Mohamed insisted on burying her in the UAE, citing her love for the country and desire to be near her family. The grieving family ultimately decided to lay her to rest in the UAE, a decision Mohamed now believes was the right choice given the situation in Sudan.
In the UAE, when someone passes away, there are established procedures for obtaining essential documentation for the last rites. There are also services available that offer different ways to lay the dead to rest, accommodating various cultural and religious practices. Hindu expat Aarush Bala shared his experience of cremating his uncle in the UAE, expressing gratitude for the smooth and convenient process. Aarush, who has lived in the UAE for 12 years, never expected to require such services but found comfort in knowing they were available. The costs of cremation and burial services in the UAE can vary but are generally reasonable, with Aarush recounting the total fees for his uncle’s cremation.
Amelia Saab, a 42-year-old Lebanese expat, also chose to lay her father to rest in the UAE when he passed away. Despite initially considering repatriation to Lebanon, the high costs deterred the family, leading them to decide to bury him in the country he called home for over 25 years. Amelia emphasized the importance of honoring her father’s wishes and keeping his final resting place close to family for visitation and maintenance of his grave. The decision to bury her father in the UAE allowed Amelia and her family to honor his memory and establish a connection with his final resting place.
The experiences of Mohamed, Aarush, and Amelia highlight the emotional complexity and logistical considerations that come with deciding whether to repatriate a loved one or bury them locally. In the case of expat families, the UAE’s diverse range of services and options for laying the deceased to rest provide a sense of comfort and support during times of grief. For many expats, like Mohamed and Aarush, the decision to have their loved ones buried in the UAE reflects a deep sense of attachment to the country and a desire to honor the deceased’s connection to their home away from home. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that may arise in the aftermath of a loved one’s passing, the availability of funeral services and burial options in the UAE offers solace and peace of mind to grieving families.
In conclusion, the choice between repatriating a deceased loved one or burying them in the UAE is a deeply personal decision that expat families must navigate during times of loss. The stories of Mohamed, Aarush, and Amelia illustrate the diverse perspectives and considerations that inform this decision-making process. Through the availability of funeral services and cultural accommodations, expat families in the UAE are able to honor the wishes of their loved ones and find solace in knowing that they are laid to rest in a place that holds significance to them. Ultimately, the decision to bury a family member in the UAE reflects a powerful bond between the deceased, their family, and the country they called home, providing a sense of continuity and connection even in the face of loss.
