The Irresistible Pull of Home: Expats Reveal Why They Keep Returning to the UAE
Dubai: Many expatriates grapple with the emotional challenge of leaving a place they consider home. For those who have lived in the UAE, the experience of departing often brings a profound sense of loss. As they watch the iconic skyline of Dubai recede from view, they confront the realization that the UAE leaves an indelible mark on its residents. This sentiment is echoed by numerous individuals who have ventured abroad only to find their way back.
Rifah Salman, a Canadian who was born and raised in the UAE, moved to Toronto at the age of 28. After five years in Canada, she returned to Abu Dhabi, stating that she always felt a pull towards her homeland. Salman, a risk and controls consultant, reflected on her time abroad, noting that while it provided perspective, it also deepened her appreciation for the lifestyle in the UAE. She emphasized the unique balance of opportunity, stability, and quality of life that the UAE offers, which is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Bilal Al Amri, an Australian citizen, shares a similar narrative. After relocating to Perth from Dubai in 2014 for university and work, he returned within six years. Al Amri struggled to adjust to life in a new city, feeling a sense of loss regarding his identity and belonging. He expressed pride in Dubai’s achievements and a desire to be part of its ongoing evolution, highlighting the emotional investment that long-term residents develop in the city.
The Draw of Safety, Stability, and Community
Safety is a significant factor influencing expatriates’ decisions to return to the UAE. The sense of security that residents experience in cities like Dubai is not universally found in other parts of the world. Anam Chohan, a Dubai-based Canadian research writer, experienced this firsthand during her six years in Markham, Canada. Her family faced crime incidents that shattered their expectations of safety. Chohan noted that in Dubai, leaving doors unlocked or personal belongings unattended rarely leads to negative outcomes.
Despite their initial intentions to settle permanently in Canada, Chohan and her husband found themselves drawn back to Dubai. They had established roots in terms of friendships and community, but circumstances and a deeper understanding of life abroad led them to reconsider their plans. Chohan’s return also meant reuniting with her extended family, which she had missed dearly during her time away.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chohan visited the UAE with her children and decided to stay for seven months. This experience reinforced her desire to return permanently, and she expressed satisfaction with her family’s decision to settle back in Dubai.
Gaining Perspective by Stepping Away
The UAE has consistently demonstrated resilience, even amid crises. Sally Maddison, a British citizen residing in Dubai, temporarily returned to the UK during recent regional tensions to be closer to her family. Having lived in Dubai for 15 years, Maddison found her brief return to the UK enlightening. She recognized the value of the lifestyle the UAE offers, including its energy, ambition, and cultural diversity.
Maddison, the founder of MINT Market, an online marketplace for artisanal products in the UAE, emphasized the importance of community and connection that she missed while abroad. Observing the UAE’s strong leadership and swift responses to external threats reaffirmed her preference for living in the UAE. She highlighted the clear communication and prioritization of safety as significant factors that contribute to her sense of security.
Pooja Vishawadia, another Dubai-based Canadian, echoed Maddison’s sentiments. Having lived in the UAE since infancy, Vishawadia moved to Toronto in 2019, initially intending to settle there. However, after two years, she recognized that the UAE offered better career opportunities and a stronger support network. She returned in 2023, expressing excitement about the future and admiration for the UAE’s leadership and vision.
Vishawadia plans to remain in Dubai long-term, emphasizing the city’s role in shaping her identity. She articulated a sense of belonging and commitment to the community that she feels is unique to the UAE.
The experiences of these expatriates illustrate a common theme: the UAE’s ability to foster a sense of home that transcends geographical boundaries. The combination of safety, community, and a vibrant lifestyle continues to draw residents back, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a cherished home for many.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-04-10 11:20:00 • By the Editorial Desk
