Lebanese expats in the UAE are facing a wave of emotions as the Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalates, leaving them anxious, frustrated, and helpless as they witness the turmoil in their homeland from afar. Many expats have family and friends still living in Lebanon, forcing them to balance the safety they enjoy in the UAE with the emotional toll of seeing their country in turmoil. Rasha, who fled Lebanon during the 2006 war, feels a constant sense of stress and worry for her relatives in Lebanon. She describes the challenges of staying connected with them due to power cuts and poor connectivity, hearing harrowing stories of fear, shortages, and collapsed healthcare systems.
Farah Dandachi, a 21-year-old student, also feels the impact of the conflict on her and her family, with daily life becoming more difficult due to destruction and traffic in Lebanon. The emotional toll of being far from home is evident in the struggles of many Lebanese expats, like Ghena Marroun, who experiences constant anxiety and guilt for being safe while her loved ones are in danger. The distance only exacerbates feelings of helplessness and survivor’s guilt for those far from the conflict.
Despite these overwhelming emotions, the Lebanese expat community in the UAE has come together in solidarity, providing emotional support and assistance to those in need. Many expats continue to send financial support to their families in Lebanon, despite the challenges posed by traffic and the unstable conditions in the country. The ongoing conflict also triggers concerns about identity among expats, with fears of losing connection to Lebanon and their heritage as a result.
As the conflict continues, expats share their biggest fears for Lebanon’s future, ranging from concerns about cultural erosion and displacement to worries about escalation and loss of loved ones. The uncertainty surrounding Lebanon’s future weighs heavily on expats, who remain hopeful for peace but are aware of the challenges ahead. The conflict has reinforced their pride in being Lebanese, but has also complicated their relationship with their homeland. Ultimately, these expats continue to carry the emotional burden of the conflict, hopeful for a peaceful resolution but prepared for the challenges that lie ahead for Lebanon and its people.
