It’s a lonely New Year for some new UAE expats

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. For some newly-arrived expatriates, however, living in the UAE this time of year can be particularly challenging as they find themselves alone during the season of festivities.

To gain an insight into their experiences, Khaleej Times spoke with expatriates who are navigating loneliness and sought advice from mental health experts.

Challenges

Mohamed Amr, a 24-year-old Egyptian architect residing in Sharjah, shares his struggle to find suitable places to spend New Year's Eve as a single individual.

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Like many expatriates, Mohamed is facing the difficulty of not having friends available to join him for any activities.

He explored different options, such as staying at JBR or going to the cinema, but encountered limited venues that catered to solo visitors. Mohamed's experience highlights the challenges faced by expatriates seeking companionship and connection during the holiday season.

Ammer Afaq, a 24-year-old filmmaker from Pakistan, reflects on his decision to move to Dubai and the emotional toll of being away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings.

While he acknowledges the difficulty of being alone, he remains optimistic about building a better future for himself in Dubai. Ammer's story underscores the sacrifices and determination that expatriates often exhibit in pursuit of personal and professional growth.

“Saying goodbye is always the hardest part. [Especially], when you embark on a journey that you know nothing about – it feels like going to war,” Ammer expressed to Khaleej Times.

Finding fulfilment

Najma Swaleh, a Kenyan expatriate who arrived in Dubai a month and a half ago, shares her experience of leaving her home country in search of opportunities and adventure.

“If we think about it, video calls help a lot. I might not be able to hold them but seeing them does help,” Najma shared about her coping mechanism.

While she has one friend in Dubai, Najma emphasises the importance of exploring new hobbies and engaging in activities to combat feelings of loneliness. She has discovered joy in scooter riding, cycling by the beach, and attending art festivals. Najma's proactive approach exemplifies how expatriates can find solace and fulfilment by immersing themselves in new experiences.

Social expectations

Loneliness during the holiday season can have a profound impact on mental health. Dr Aida Suhaimi, a Clinical Psychologist from Medcare Camali Clinic, explains that societal and personal expectations often contribute to heightened stress and anxiety during this time.

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