'More Than Walls': Dubai Expats From Gaza Weigh Rebuilding Amid War's Aftermath

Zeyad’s Act of Hope
For 52-year-old Zeyad, who has lived in the UAE for over 25 years, rebuilding his home in Gaza is a deeply personal mission. “I will rebuild my house in Gaza as soon as they allow it. It’s more than just walls and a roof — it’s my connection to my roots and my family’s legacy,” he said. Despite living far from his homeland, Zeyad feels a strong responsibility to maintain his ties to Gaza, not just for himself but for future generations. “Every brick I lay is a statement that life goes on, and my family deserves to have a home to return to someday, no matter how uncertain things might seem,” he explained. For Zeyad, rebuilding is not merely about restoring a physical structure but also about asserting hope and continuity in the face of adversity.

Letting Go of the Past
Rehab, a 49-year-old business owner who has lived in Dubai her entire life, has a different perspective. She inherited her late father’s home in Gaza, a structure that once symbolized stability and love. However, she has decided against rebuilding. “Rebuilding my late father’s house feels pointless when the truce is only temporary. The cycles of destruction and rebuilding never seem to end,” she said. Rehab remembers her father’s pride in the home, making its destruction all the more painful. “I’ve decided to let it remain as it is — a reminder of what was, rather than a constant source of worry about what might happen next,” she added. For Rehab, holding onto memories rather than rebuilding offers a sense of peace amid the uncertainty.

Caught in Limbo
Essa, a factory owner in his 50s, finds himself at a crossroads. His factory in Gaza was not only his livelihood but also a vital resource for the community. Its destruction has left him grappling with whether to rebuild. “I’m torn about whether to rebuild my factory. On one hand, it feels like an act of defiance and hope to restore what’s been lost. On the other hand, the instability makes me question if it’s worth the financial and emotional investment,” he admitted. Essa constantly weighs the risks of further loss against the symbolic and practical importance of rebuilding. “What if this happens again? Right now, I’m stuck in this limbo, unsure if rebuilding is the right decision or if I should just accept the loss and move on,” he said. Essa’s uncertainty underscores the psychological burden of living with constant instability.

A Shared Struggle
For many Palestinians living abroad, the question of rebuilding in Gaza transcends financial considerations. It is deeply tied to emotions, heritage, and the fragile hope for a stable future. While individuals like Zeyad see rebuilding as a necessary act of resilience, others, like Rehab, find letting go a way to preserve their mental well-being. Meanwhile, those like Essa remain caught between hope and pragmatism, highlighting the complexity of decisions made in the shadow of conflict.

These personal stories shed light on the broader struggles faced by thousands of families affected by the Gaza war. They reflect the resilience of a community determined to hold onto its identity despite immense challenges, while daring to dream of a better tomorrow.