Moving to a new country like the UAE comes with plenty of change including new surroundings, different customs, and a different routine to settle into. It’s completely normal to miss home, whether you’ve moved for work, study, or new opportunities in Dubai.
At Remitly, we understand how challenging it can be to adjust while feeling that pull toward home. But you’re not alone—many others go through the same experience, and there are ways to make the transition easier. In this article we’ll share practical ways to manage homesickness, from building emotional support to getting involved in local culture.
Homesickness and cultural adjustment
Settling into a new country comes with plenty of ups and downs. Some days, everything might feel fresh and exciting. On other days, the unfamiliar routines and cultural differences might leave you feeling a little lost. It’s completely normal to experience both.
What homesickness feels like
Homesickness is that deep sense of longing for the people, places, and comforts that once made up your daily life. Sometimes, it sneaks up on you—like when a familiar smell or song reminds you of home. Other times, it’s more persistent, making you wonder if you made the right decision to move.
These feelings can spill over into different areas of your life. You might find it harder to focus on work or studies, feel less motivated to go out, or catch yourself comparing things to how they were back home. The first step in easing homesickness is recognising these emotions as a natural part of adapting to change.
How cultural differences affect homesickness
In Dubai, and across the United Arab Emirates, you’ll likely encounter traditions and daily routines that differ from what you’re used to. Calls to prayer mark different times of the day, work schedules might not follow the same patterns as back home, and celebrations like Eid could be completely new experiences for you.
These differences might make you feel out of place, especially if you haven’t yet settled into a rhythm in your new home. But understanding that culture shock and homesickness often go hand-in-hand can help put things into perspective.
Common challenges for expats and students
For professionals, starting a new job in an unfamiliar environment can be stressful enough without the added weight of missing home. Students, meanwhile, might have enough on their plate with academic pressures, all while trying to make new connections and adapt to a different way of life.
Some of the biggest challenges include adjusting to a new routine, navigating small cultural differences in communication, and even adapting to Dubai’s climate, especially if you arrive during the hotter months. But while these hurdles can feel overwhelming in the beginning, they’re also opportunities to grow.
Ways to ease homesickness
Instead of seeing homesickness as something to fight against, consider it a reminder of the connections that matter most to you. The key is finding ways to blend the comfort of home with new experiences in the UAE.
Staying connected with loved ones
Keeping in touch with family and friends can be a huge source of comfort, but finding the right balance is important. Regular video calls or messages on apps like WhatsApp can help you feel close, even when you’re far away. At the same time, giving yourself space to experience life in the Emirates is no less essential.
If you’re craving a taste of home, why not turn it into something fun? Try a virtual cooking session with your family, teaching them about all the new cuisines you’re discovering. Maybe share photos with friends back home, showcasing what you’ve seen as you explore the UAE. Small rituals like these can keep you connected without making you feel like you’re missing out on what’s happening around you.
Creating a comforting routine
When everything around you feels unknown, having a steady routine can make a big difference. Simple habits like waking up at the same time each day, setting aside time for a hobby, or getting some fresh air before work can bring a sense of normality.
Building new routines can also help you feel more at home. Maybe there’s a coffee shop near your workplace that could become your go-to spot, or a local gym where you can burn off pent-up energy. Even cooking a familiar dish once a week can make your space feel more like home than just accommodation. The little things you do every day eventually become the foundation of your new life.
Building a social network in the UAE
Making new connections is one of the best ways to feel at home in a new country. The UAE is home to people from all over the world, and there are plenty of ways to meet others who might share your interests.
You could join a social or sports club, attend networking events at work, or look for local gatherings through online forums and social media groups. Expats who’ve already lived in the Emirates for a while may be able to show you some of the little-known corners of the country that make it a great place to live, helping you to appreciate and embrace your new surroundings.
Dealing with emotional challenges
Even with the best plans in place, homesickness can come out of nowhere. Maybe it’s a stressful day at work, a song that reminds you of home, or simply hearing your native language in a café. These moments are expected, but knowing how to handle them will help you feel better.
Acknowledging feelings of homesickness
Trying to push homesickness away or telling yourself to “just get over it” can sometimes make it worse. Instead of ignoring it, recognise that missing home is a natural part of adjusting to a new place. It doesn’t mean you’re not happy here—it just means you’re human, with feelings.
Writing down your thoughts can help make sense of them. Whether it’s in a journal or a quick note on your phone, reflecting on what triggers homesickness like certain foods, traditions, or memories can help you manage those moments.
Knowing when to ask for help
If homesickness starts affecting your daily life making it hard to focus, socialise, or enjoy things you usually like it might help to talk to someone. The UAE has a well-developed healthcare system, and there are plenty of mental health professionals who work with expats and offer sessions in multiple languages.
Seeking professional support isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a way to prioritise your well-being. Therapy or counselling can provide useful coping strategies for dealing with stress or anxiety, or simply provide a safe space to talk through your feelings.
Engaging in relaxing and mindful activities
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Adding small moments of relaxation to your daily routine—and it could be something as simple as your morning coffee ritual, an evening walk, or listening to music on your commute to work—can help keep stress in check.
If you’re up for something more active, the UAE has no shortage of ways to unwind. You could try yoga, join a local sports club, or take up a new hobby. For a more adventurous activity, the UAE’s natural beauty provides loads of opportunities to do things you may never have done back home, like a desert safari or a weekend trip to the mountains.
Little by little, these activities can help shift your focus from what you miss to what you’re discovering, making the UAE start to feel more like home.
One of the best ways to feel more at home in the UAE is to explore everything it has to offer. Getting involved in local life doesn’t mean leaving behind your own traditions. It’s about blending the familiar with the new, creating a mix that makes your experience here even more meaningful.
Exploring cultural attractions in the UAE
The UAE is home to a fascinating mix of old and new, and exploring its cultural spots is a great way to get a deeper understanding of the country. The more you know about the good things in a new place, the easier it is to feel at home there.
- Iconic landmarks: There’s no shortage of spectacular things to see in the UAE, both human-made and natural. If you’re taking in the view from the Burj Khalifa, broadening your mind at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or marvelling at the beauty of the nature reserves and the vast desert dunes, you’re going to appreciate the positives about the Emirates.
- Historic districts: Areas like Al Fahidi (formerly Bastakiya) in Dubai or the Al Hosn site in Abu Dhabi offer a glimpse into the UAE’s past, giving you a better understanding of the region’s history.
- Museums and galleries: The Louvre Abu Dhabi is far from the only show in town; the UAE’s growing art and innovation scene has plenty more to explore, from contemporary galleries to exhibitions of the region’s ancient culture.
Getting about and truly discovering your new home can make you feel better connected to it.
Participating in local events and traditions
The UAE’s event calendar is packed with festivals, celebrations, and community activities. The Dubai Shopping Festival is a great time of year for bargain-hunters—and it’s about much more than just shopping. And appreciating the spirit of Eid, or joining in the National Day celebrations, can be a fun way to integrate with the local community.
Volunteering is another great way to meet people and feel part of something bigger. Helping out at a Ramadan food drive or joining a beach clean-up will give something back to the community that’s welcomed you, and help build meaningful relationships to ease the feeling of being an outsider.
Learning the language and local customs
You don’t need to be fluent in Arabic to get by, but learning a few key phrases can go a long way in making everyday interactions smoother. Simple words like “shukran” (thank you) and “Salaam Alaikum” (peace be upon you) can make conversations feel more friendly and polite.
Understanding cultural norms like how to greet people or what’s considered respectful in public spaces can also make a big difference. Locals often appreciate it when newcomers show an interest in their language and traditions.
By taking small steps to engage with the culture and community around you, it can be a bit easier to cope with homesickness.
Practical tips for settling in
Recognising that it might be a while before you’re completely comfortable will mean you take your well-being into account right from the start. It’s likely to be small steps that will help you overcome homesickness and feel comfortable in your new home, rather than any one big event or effort on your part.
Setting realistic expectations and giving yourself time
You might not master the local transport system in your first week at a new job, for example. Maybe you don’t feel completely at home in your neighbourhood, or even get a bit lost heading home. And that’s okay.
Rather than feeling frustrated when things don’t go perfectly, remind yourself that every new experience, even the challenging ones, is part of the learning process. Friendships, routines, and a sense of belonging develop organically and over time.
With each passing day, you’ll pick up on local customs, navigate daily routines more easily, and feel more connected to your surroundings. There’s no set timeline for feeling at home; everyone’s journey is different. Good luck with yours.
FAQs
How can I overcome homesickness?
Staying in regular contact with family and friends, building a local support network, and trying cultural or social activities can alleviate the emotional strain of missing home. It also helps to create a comforting routine and explore new hobbies that make you feel more settled in your new environment.
How do expats deal with homesickness?
Many expats find a balance by blending familiar traditions with new experiences. This might mean celebrating holidays from home while also embracing local festivals, or cooking familiar dishes while exploring the UAE’s cuisine. Connecting with fellow expats who understand what you’re going through can also make a big difference.
What are some challenges of living in the UAE?
Adjusting to the hot summers, getting used to a multinational work environment, and understanding cultural norms around dress and public behaviour can take time. The time difference from your home country can also make it tricky to coordinate calls or visits. That said, most newcomers find these challenges become easier with time, familiarity, and a supportive network.
How long does it take for homesickness to go away?
There’s no set timeline. Some people start feeling settled within weeks, while others take much longer to adjust. It depends on factors like your social connections, how different your new environment is, and how much effort you put into integrating and adapting. The good news is that the more you engage with your surroundings, the sooner the UAE will start to feel like home.