‘We Chose This Country, We Stand With It’: UAE Expats Show Solidarity Across Social Media
As regional tensions unfold, residents across the United Arab Emirates are uniting on social media to express messages of solidarity, reassurance, and gratitude toward the nation they call home. A widely shared Instagram template reading “We chose this country. We stand with it.” has quickly become a digital symbol of unity among expatriates and Emiratis alike.
From heartfelt prayers to personal reflections, expats of diverse backgrounds are taking to Instagram to reaffirm their connection to the UAE. The campaign, which emerged organically, highlights the country’s long-standing reputation as a place of safety, stability, and opportunity.
Ukrainian content creator Tetiana Skoryna, who has lived in the UAE for 11 years, said she felt a responsibility to share her experience. “I shared my message because I truly care about the UAE. This country has given me safety, stability, and so many opportunities,” she said. “Sometimes people believe what they see online without knowing the truth — I wanted to show the real situation.”
For many residents, the UAE represents more than just a place to live — it is a home built on shared values of peace and inclusivity. Dubai-based influencer Riyola Sanctis, who was born and raised in the Emirates, echoed that sentiment. “When a country has given you safety, opportunity, and a home, you stand with it — especially in challenging moments,” she said.
Sanctis described her bond with the UAE as deeply personal: “The UAE is not just where I live — it’s who I am. My memories, my growth, my career, my identity are rooted in this country.” She emphasized the nation’s inclusivity, adding, “There is no divide between locals and expats when it comes to safety and dignity. We are protected equally.”
Other influencers have also shifted their social media approach to focus on verified information and messages of reassurance. Dubai-based lifestyle and food creator Nora Mohammed said her content has become more intentional. “My page is usually about food and everyday life, but it didn’t feel right to continue as normal,” she explained. “I started sharing official updates and prayers for the UAE instead.”
She added that the response from her followers has been overwhelmingly supportive. “People trust what they see online, so I wanted my platform to be a source of calm, not confusion. You can feel everyone standing together — it’s not about content right now, it’s about community.”
Across platforms, residents continue to express confidence in the UAE’s leadership, stability, and enduring sense of unity. What began as a simple phrase — “We chose this country. We stand with it.” — has evolved into a powerful message of shared belonging and collective faith in the nation’s future.
