Safety and Stability: Key Factors for Lebanese Resident’s 28-Year Commitment to the UAE
Amal Harb, a Lebanese national residing in Abu Dhabi, reflects on her unique perspective shaped by her family’s ties to Lebanon and the stability she has found in the UAE. Having lived in the Emirates for 28 years, Harb emphasizes the profound impact of safety and security on her life and career.
Living in a region often marked by tension, Harb notes that her family back home in Lebanon adds a layer of concern during times of unrest. This connection influences how she consumes news, particularly when crises arise. In October 2024, when Lebanon faced military aggression, her family was able to reach her in Abu Dhabi within 24 hours. This swift reunification during a distressing time underscored her appreciation for the UAE’s safety, allowing her to be present for her loved ones while providing a stable environment for her son.
Harb serves as the executive director of Insight Out Consultancy, based in Abu Dhabi. Her relationship with the UAE began at the age of 12 when she accompanied her father on business trips during the summer. Those early visits fostered a connection that would later lead her to make the UAE her permanent home after graduating from university in Lebanon. She described her move as a natural decision filled with hope and ambition, marking the beginning of a journey that would see her build a career, forge lifelong friendships, and raise her son in a nurturing environment.
A Nation That Bounces Back, Every Time
The UAE has consistently provided Harb with reasons to remain, foremost among them being peace of mind. She highlights the functioning institutions and continuous progress as transformative aspects of daily life. Coming from a country with a history of conflict, she values the stability the UAE offers, stating that such security is often taken for granted until one has experienced life without it.
Harb has witnessed the UAE’s resilience during challenging times, including the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes that while no nation is immune to global events, the UAE’s proactive approach sets it apart. The country’s culture of action—characterized by planning, adaptation, and investment—fuels her confidence in its ability to navigate difficulties.
During the pandemic, Harb observed the remarkable efficiency of the UAE’s leadership. Quick decision-making, robust support systems, and effective vaccination programs instilled confidence among residents during a time of uncertainty. As a professional in the travel and hospitality sector, she noted that the industry faced significant challenges, yet the UAE’s resourcefulness allowed businesses to innovate and adapt, leading to one of the strongest recoveries in the hospitality sector.
Strength in Diversity
Harb is also drawn to the UAE’s multicultural community, which she believes enriches the living experience. Her career in marketing and hospitality has allowed her to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment of learning and growth. She asserts that this diversity cultivates humility, adaptability, and broader perspectives.
Her 14-year-old son is now benefiting from the same multicultural environment. He communicates in Lebanese Arabic at home, English with his father, and Emirati Arabic with friends, while also learning French and Mandarin at school. Harb emphasizes that diversity is not merely a theoretical concept for her son; it is an integral part of his daily life.
The experiences of families like Harb’s illustrate the strength of a nation that celebrates multiculturalism. She observes that many individuals invest their lives in the UAE, creating a shared belief in the country’s potential. This collective commitment fosters resilience that transcends mere infrastructure or economic factors.
Loyalty Towards Leadership
Reflecting on her experiences, Harb asserts that the confidence residents have in the UAE and its leadership is grounded in years of experience rather than mere optimism. She expresses profound respect for the country’s governance and the rule of law, noting that her choice to reside in the UAE is informed by her experiences elsewhere.
For residents like Harb, the opportunity to live in a forward-looking nation that provides warmth and security is invaluable. She acknowledges that many leave their home countries not out of desire but in search of better opportunities for themselves and their families. The UAE, she concludes, uniquely combines stability, safety, and opportunity.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-20 10:54:00 • By the Editorial Desk
