By dubailife 
As the conflict escalates, Lebanese expatriates in Dubai and across the UAE are grappling with a mixture of anxiety, frustration, and helplessness as they watch the turmoil unfolding in their homeland from a distance. With family and friends still living in Lebanon, many are caught between the safety and security they enjoy in Dubai and the emotional toll of witnessing their country endure relentless conflict.
The escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict is stirring painful memories for Rasha, 45, who fled Lebanon during the 2006 war. “The conflict has deeply affected us because we are constantly worried about our relatives in Lebanon. The stress is unrelenting, not knowing what challenges they face every day. I call my family every morning and night to check on them,” Rasha says, feeling like it’s 2006 all over again. But this time, she is safe in Dubai, a reality that brings both relief and guilt.
Rasha communicates with her family in Lebanon as often as possible, but frequent power cuts and poor connectivity complicate their conversations. She describes the harrowing stories she hears from her relatives: “They talk about constant fear, shortages of essential goods like food and medicine, and the collapsed healthcare system. While their resilience is inspiring, their suffering is unbearable.”
For Farah Dandachi, a 21-year-old student in Dubai, the situation is also taking a heavy toll on her and her family. Farah recounts stories of destruction and the immense traffic that has disrupted daily life for her loved ones in Lebanon. “The conflict has caused severe congestion, making it nearly impossible to move around, and there are very few resources to go around,” Farah says.
The emotional weight of being far from home during such difficult times is a common struggle for Lebanese expats in Dubai. Ghena Marroun, a student whose family remains in Lebanon, shared, “It has affected me mentally, knowing I can’t help or be with them. The anxiety of not knowing what tomorrow will bring is constant.” While Ghena tries to stay connected with her family by calling throughout the day, balancing university demands makes it difficult. She often feels guilty, knowing she has a relatively peaceful life in Dubai compared to her loved ones in Lebanon. “It’s hard to have a normal conversation with my best friend in Lebanon, knowing what she’s going through. I can’t complain about my studies or social plans when they can’t enjoy basic things under such dire circumstances.”
Many expats in Dubai experience a sense of helplessness and “survivor’s guilt.” Rasha explains, “There’s this persistent guilt that I’m safe here in Dubai while so many people I love are in danger. I left Lebanon during the 2006 war, and while I’m grateful to have built a stable life here, I can’t help but feel guilty for not being there with my people.”
Solidarity in Dubai
Despite these overwhelming emotions, the Lebanese expatriate community in Dubai has found strength in solidarity. Farah notes how ties among Lebanese expats have strengthened, with group chats being organized to arrange temporary housing for those in need. “If someone’s family in Lebanon needs a place to stay, we message in the group chat and see if anyone’s family in Dubai can host them. It’s a small way we try to help,” she explains.
Rasha echoes the importance of community support. “The Lebanese community in Dubai has been an emotional lifeline. We check in on each other and share updates about what’s happening back home. There’s a strong sense of solidarity because we’re all experiencing similar emotions,” she says.
Many expats, like Farah and Rasha, continue to send financial support to their families in Lebanon, though the process has become increasingly challenging. “My dad sends money regularly, but the heavy traffic and unstable conditions in Lebanon make it hard for our family to collect it,” Farah explains. Rasha faces similar difficulties but continues to find ways to support her loved ones, despite the complexities of the Lebanese banking system.
The ongoing conflict has also sparked concerns about identity among Lebanese expats in Dubai. Ghena fears losing her connection to Lebanon. “In times like these, family is meant to be together to provide mental and emotional support. But for us, it’s safer to be outside Lebanon, even though it doesn’t feel right. There’s always this underlying fear that my identity is slowly fading away.”
For Rasha, the conflict has reinforced her pride in being Lebanese, yet it has also complicated her relationship with her homeland. “I feel more connected to my heritage than ever, but it’s hard not to feel detached from the realities of living in Lebanon,” she reflects.
As the conflict continues, these expats share deep concerns about Lebanon’s future. Rasha fears for the country’s ability to recover, worrying about the erosion of its cultural identity and the displacement of its people. Farah is anxious that the conflict will further escalate, while Ghena fears losing loved ones and possibly never being able to return to her homeland.
The uncertainty surrounding Lebanon’s future weighs heavily on the Lebanese expatriates living in Dubai, who, despite being far from the conflict, continue to bear the emotional burden of the turmoil. Though they remain hopeful for peace, they are all too aware of the immense challenges that lie ahead for Lebanon and its people.
Source : Khaleejtimes