Due to current information-sharing restrictions and necessary security precautions, this article is shared anonymously. It offers a deeply personal reflection on living through uncertainty in the UAE, navigating challenge and hope while holding onto a sense of purpose and trust in God during an unpredictable time.
It has been two weeks since this all began. Hearing missiles being intercepted, alerts flashing across our phones telling us to stay indoors and keep away from windows. At first, I felt an overwhelming sense of fear. As a soon-to-be mother, every instinct in me is focused on protecting the little life growing inside me. There have been moments when it has felt overwhelming.
And yet, amid the fear, I have also felt reassurance. Watching how the United Arab Emirates has worked to defend and protect the country has given me a deep sense of security. Beyond that, I hold firmly to the belief that God is with us through this. My faith reminds me that we are not alone, and that even in uncertain times, we are being watched over.
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During the first week of unrest here in the UAE, work was busy, but it felt as though it helped to have a focus, a purpose. I have been working in Dubai as a school counsellor for the past three years. Even though remote, having the opportunity to offer support to parents, students and staff during this challenging time, has felt purposeful. I am meant to be here at this time.
With schools on holiday during the second week, I have had more time to think and listen to news, but amidst the headlines and struggling to sleep at night, I have been reminded to keep my eyes fixed on God, to find peace even amongst the uncertainty.
In many ways, daily life still looks normal.
In many ways, daily life still looks normal. I take our dog out for walks and see neighbours going about their routines. Children play outside, laughter drifting across the streets. It is comforting to witness these glimpses of ordinary life continuing. But beneath it all there remains a quiet hum of uncertainty. Questions linger in conversations and in our thoughts: Will this escalate? Will schools reopen on Monday? Is it safe to drive? Should we stay in the UAE, or should we leave? What can I share online - due to warnings about media and information sharing limitations?
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My husband and I have talked about what is best for us. For now, we are staying in Dubai.
My husband and I have talked about what is best for us. For now, we are staying in Dubai. This is our home. At seven months pregnant, flying is not advised unless absolutely necessary, and at this moment we do not feel that leaving is the right decision for us. We also would not even think of leaving our dog behind - if we go anywhere, she would be coming with us too. For now, we are simply taking each day as it comes, trusting God to guide our steps.
Our prayer is that this conflict will end soon, not only for us here in the UAE, but for every nation affected. There are countries experiencing far greater loss, destruction, and suffering than we are witnessing here. They remain constantly on my heart. It is a reminder that our prayers must extend beyond our own circumstances and reach across the region, asking for peace where it is needed most.
One of the greatest sources of encouragement during this time has been our church community. Even though we cannot meet in person, we continue to gather online each week. I have also joined virtual prayer meetings, where people log in from their homes across the city. Though we are physically apart, there is a powerful sense of unity in those moments. As we worship and pray together, I feel the peace of God filling our living room.
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This is certainly not how I imagined spending the final trimester of my pregnancy. Yet even in the midst of uncertainty, I am deeply grateful. We have the promise of a healthy, beautiful new life to welcome into the world. Perhaps this season has stirred something deeper in me - a renewed desire to pray for the next generation. I pray that the world our children inherit will be better than the one we see today. That the breakthroughs and transformation they witness will far outweigh war and suffering.
It is a reminder for all of us to pray not only for what is happening now, but for the future. For our children, that they would grow to be pillars of light in a broken world. That they would be strong, courageous, and compassionate.
The news can feel discouraging at the moment. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the darkness we see around us. But there is hope. There are still good things happening in the world. And when the weight of it all feels heavy, we can look to the greatest light of all. Let’s pray that people across the Middle East see the light, that they find God in the darkest places.
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