'We Chose This Country, We Stand With It': UAE Expats Voice Support Across Social Media

2026-03-02 10:40:10

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

From prayers and personal messages to sharing verified information, residents across nationalities are expressing solidarity and reassurance on social media

PUBLISHED: Mon 2 Mar 2026, 11:13 AM UPDATED: Mon 2 Mar 2026, 11:46 AM

By:
Waad Barakat

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Residents across the UAE are taking to Instagram to send a message of unity, reassurance, and gratitude for the country they call home.

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From short prayers to personal reflections, many expats have been sharing posts about why they chose the UAE and why they continue to stand by it. While a widely circulated Instagram template reading,“We chose this country. We stand by it,” has become a common visual, the sentiment goes far beyond a single format.

For Ukrainian content creator Tetiana Skoryna, the decision to speak up came from a sense of responsibility.“I shared my message because I truly care about the UAE,” she said.“I have been living here for 11 years, and this country has given me safety, stability, and so many opportunities.”

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With conflicting information circulating online, she felt it was important to show her experience.“I wanted to show the real situation. Sometimes people believe what they see online without knowing the truth.”

For her, the country represents more than a place of residence.“The UAE means security, growth, and a place I proudly call home. That's why I felt the need to speak up.”

Across platforms, similar messages are emerging, with residents sharing prayers, words of solidarity, and reflections on the sense of stability they experience in general.

Dubai-based influencer Riyola Sanctis, who was born and raised in the UAE, said remaining silent didn't feel right.“When a country has given you safety, opportunity, and a home, you stand with it, especially in challenging moments,” she said.

For Sanctis, the connection is deeply personal.“The UAE is not just where I live, it is who I am. My memories, my growth, my career, my identity are rooted in this country.”

She added that what stands out most is the sense of equality residents feel.“There is no divide between locals and expats when it comes to safety and dignity. We are protected equally. I feel just as safe and valued as any Emirati.”

Even during periods of regional uncertainty, she said, daily life remains stable. "That sense of stability comes from strong leadership and systems that prioritise the protection of people. The UAE doesn't just react, it anticipates. It protects. It reassures."

The current situation, say lifestyle content creators, has changed the way they use their platforms. Dubai-based food and lifestyle creator Nora Mohammed said her content has shifted from restaurant reviews and daily recommendations to something more intentional.“My page is usually about food, places, and everyday life in the UAE. But when the situation started, it didn't feel right to continue as normal,” she said.

Instead, she began sharing verified updates from official sources, along with messages of prayer and reassurance.

“With so much information and misinformation online, I felt a responsibility to only share confirmed updates from official channels. People trust what they see on social media, and I wanted my platform to be a source of calm, not confusion.”

She added that the response from her audience reflected the same collective concern and unity.“I've also been sharing prayers for the UAE and checking in with my followers. You can really feel that everyone is standing together. It's not about content right now, it's about community.”